Benjamin Kaschke

About Me

I'm Ben Kaschke, a Mechatronics and Robotics Engineer who finds inspiration in the fusion of technology and innovation. Graduating from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, I'm now working as a Robotics Commissioning Engineer at Bastian Solutions. My role involves PLC programming, FANUC robotic programming, AI vision integration, educating operators, collaborating with various engineers, and commissioning robotic systems.

This portfolio showcases projects and activities I was involved with while in undergrad at SIUE, along with a project I am actively working on.

For more information about me and the projects I have or are currently working on check out the links below.

Cougar Rockets (Engineering Design Team)
Senior Capstone Project (3D Printer Filament Extrusion System)
Project Model Gallery
Resume

Engineering Experience:

Bastian Solutions

I started working at Bastian Solutions July 2022 as a Robotics Commissioning Engineer. As a commissioning engineer I have had the opportunity to collaborate with various engineers, troubleshoot advanced robotic systems, optimize robot and PLC programming, run customer operator training, or much more.

For more information about Bastian Solutions: Click Here

Cougar Rockets

Cougar Rockets is a student led engineering design team that focuses on aerospace systems by designing, building, and flying various aerial vehicles. These vehicles include but are not limited to: high powered rockets, autonomous UAVS, and multirotor aircraft.

For more information: Cougar Rockets

IDOT Summer Internship

Interned at the Illinois Department of Transportation summer of '19, '20, and'21. Performed erosion, traffic, concrete, and bridge inspections. 3D scanned ADA ramps and surveyed.

Baja SAE

SIUE Cougar Baja competes annually in competitions sanctioned by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The goal of the competition is to design and build a single-seat, all-terrain sporting vehicle.

Certifications:

FANUC Advanced TPP Programing 2023
FANUC Handling Tool Operation and Programming 2022
FANUC CRX-Series Collaborative Robot Operations And Programming 2023
Introduction to ControlLogix with RSLogix 5000 2023
OSHA 10 Hour 2022

Sensor/Actuator Experience:

Linear Hall Effect

Ultra Sonic
LIDAR
Intel Realsense Vision
Magnetic Encoders
Solenoids
Electric Pumps

Optical Encoders
Potentiometers
Accelerometers/Gyroscope
Barometric Pressure
Photo-eyes
Vacuum Switches

Force Sensitive Resistors (FSRs)
Light Sensors
Thermistors
Electronic Speed Controllers
DC Motors

Brushless Motors
Stepper Driver
PowerFlex VFDs
Servo Motors
480VAC Motors
Pneumatic Actuators

Senior Capstone Project:

For More Information on this project click Here

6-Axis Industrial Robotic Project:

Current 3D Model Of The Robot Arm

Robot Model In Home Position

Project Description:

I've always wanted my own robotic arm and decided to build one in my free time outside of work. This project is a work in progress, that I work on in my spare time. The goals for the arm are to make it mostly 3D printed, 6-axis, continuous rotation about J4, implement ROS, learn more about I2C and Serial communication, and to be able to lift a common canned beverage.

Current status: Joints 3, 4, 5, and 6 are mechanically functional and I am beginning to test the program and serial communication to the forearm microcontroller. Joints 1 and 2 need more mechanical design/assembly before they are ready to test.

Folding UAV Research:

As a member of the SIUE Cougar Rockets team, I was tasked with leading a sub team that would work on developing a rocket launched folding UAV. The goal of the project was to develop a plane that would be capable of being folded, inserted into a rocket, and ejected from the rocket after reaching apogee. After being ejected from the rocket, a pilot would then be able to manually control the flight of the craft.

For More Information on this project click Here

Skills:

3D modeling: AutoCAD, Fusion 360

Programming: C++, Python, Rockwell PLC, FANUC, and PBasic

Electronics: LTSpice, digital oscilloscope, multimeter, protoboard, microcontrollers (Arduino and PSoC 5), and soldering.

Programing Platforms: MATLAB, Simulink, LabView, PSoC Creator, Arduino IDE.

Fabrication Skills: 3D Printing, Soldering, Laser Cutting, Forging, Casting, Woodworking, and Machine Shop Experience.

Microcontrollers: Arduino, PSoC 5, Basic Stamp, Teensy

Robotics Skills: ROS (Robotics Operating System), Linux, Forward and Inverse Kinematic Modeling, PID Control, Mobile Robotics Kinematics, Robotic Vision Using Intel RealSense Cameras, Stepper Control, FANUC.

Other Software: Autodesk Flow Design, Open Rocket Simulator, Adobe Illustrator, Cura, Microsoft(PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

Other Skills: Designing for 3d Printing, Surveying, RC Plane Design, Mechanic, Rocket Design, Microcontrollers(Arduino and PSoC), IC experience.