About Me

I'm Gareth Haylings born in 1971 and was giving the nickname "The Mad Robot" back in 2007 due to some of the mad ideas I come up with and the number of robots I own(Note: My collection is still growing). I have a very active imagination, enjoy problem-solving and learning new skills. Since the beginning of the 1980s when my parents gave me my first computer I have always been passionate about software development, technology, inventing new gadgets.

My Skills

Software Knowledge

Programming languages:

• • Main programming languages : VB.net, SQL, VB6, VBA

  • Other Languages I know: C#, Java, Javascript, CSS, HTML, Python, Ruby Script

  • When I was doing open source development for MIT app inventor I used GITHUB and git a lot

I have used many other programming languages since starting to write software in 1980.

CAD and Graphic software:

• • TinkerCAD, Sketchup, Onshape, Blender, Onshape, Unity, GCpowerPlace, Paint.net

  • Up Studio, Kura

I can learn & adapt to new programming languages and software pretty easily

Gadgets & Robots I own

• • Structure Core, Structure Sensor, Leap Motion,

  • Robots: Colin (Looks a lot like R2D2 but never mention that to him if you see him), Kevin or lazy Kev as he is known (BB8), Mechamon V1 & V2, Boxer, Sphero V2, Sphero, Sphero Bright Sparks Edistion , 6 x RS Media Robots, Roboraptor, Robosapian V1, Robosapian V2 (Not working needs to be repaired)

  • A few RC quad copter and flyers

  • Up mini 3D printer (Not working needs to be repaired)

  • Up Box 3D printer

  • Virtual reality headsets - Oculus Quest V1, Gear VR

Factory equipment I have used

FDM 3D Printers, Laser etching, Conformal coating machines, SMT Equipment(i.e. Universal, Fuji, ASM, Auto Insertion, Kuka robots, CNC Plasma cutting, CNC turret punch, and a multitude of other equiptment

My hobbies

Inventing, Robotics, Software & Hardware development, Playing the guitar, 3D printing, Power kiting, Playing guitar (Improvising mainly classical), looking for weird Gadgets

Brief history of my hobby projects inventions

• • 2021 - Pencil heads

  • 2021 - Pencil Head Catapult kits

  • 2021 - Mag-I-Dice - Dice with unique feature (Top Secret Science project)

  • 2021 - Magnetriods - Construction triangles

  • 2020 - GBOW - Like an ebow but can be used on any string instrument

  • 2020 - Arduino control chime musical instrument

  • 2020 - Biaxial Rotating LED Sphere

  • 2020 - 8x8x8 Led programmable cube

  • 2020 - Line and obstacle avoiding robot

  • 2019 July – Making a DIY 3D Monitor (Why? Because I can!)

  • 2019 July – Structure Sensor Development

  • 2019 June – Leap Motion project - Pass Throu camera and controller for VR

  • 2019 May – Developing VR in The Expanse

  • 2019 March – Making a self learning robot

  • 2019 – Developing in VR for Altspace

  • 2018 - Electric single tune harp

  • 2017 – Microbit & Arduino programming

  • 2016 – Making a 3D printed guitar

  • 2015 – Started STEM Workshops for local school children

  • 2015 - Made drift car mini Quadcopter

  • 2015 - Made indestructible modular Quadcopter

  • 2015 – Started 3D printing

  • 2012 -2015 MRAI (Mad Robots App Inventor)

  • 2012 - Started open source development for MIT App Inventor

  • 2007 - 2012 Developing for RS Media robots

  • 2007 - Wrote children's play "Bruce the Ozy Saves Christmas"

  • Made a power kite Buggy

  • Made a 23 foot mechanical dragon for Maindee festival

  • Wrote children's play "Llewellyn The Lonely Dragon"

  • Adapted "The Gruffulo" into a children's play

  • 1982 - Running bet - Game written for ZX Spectrum 16K

  • 1981 - Got first computer and learnt to program

Bespoke software I wrote while employed

TT Electronics (Newport) 1996 - to date

• ETS MES & Traceability software

• Intelligent machine program generator (GTPS)

• Product comparison tool

• CAD extraction tool

• EFACS & KBM reporting tool

• Conformal spray calibration tool

• Fuji MSC30 transfer tool

• Viscom program transfer tool

Flamgard (Newport)1992 - 1996

• Sales inquiry system

• Shop floor material cutting list software

• Stock control system

Panic Button (Cardiff) 1989

• Sales ordering tool