The Mechatronics and Haptic Interfaces (MAHI) Lab, leaded by Dr. Marcie O'Malley, focuses on the design, manufacture, and evaluation of mechatronic or robotic systems to model, rehabilitate. MAHI Lab belongs to Rice University at Houston, TX.
For six months (Jan - Jun 2020) this lab was my home. I had the privilege to work together with highly talented people, which motivated and guided me during my internship. Even though the pandemic hit in March that year, together we managed to stay strong and keep the work going on!
Prototyping!
Initially, I had no specific project for my internship. So, I started to help on the hardware design and manufacture of several on-going projects at the lab. To this end, I reinforced my skills on the use of CAD software, as well as the operation of rapid prototyping machines, such as FDM, SLA, and a MultiJet printer!
Afterwards, while collaborating more closely to Evan Pezent, he lend to me the development of TABI. This project required more skills and creativity!
For the manufacture of the elastic bands, and in order to reduce costs, I implemented injection molding manufacture, and lastly 3D printing with the use of TPU filaments. With this project I also tested my circuit design skills, having to create a custom PCB that would gather the connections from all the LRAs mounted on the bracelet.
My time at the MAHI Lab was an incredible experience into the world of research on haptic interfaces and rehabilitation robotics, that helped me to strengthen and acquire new skills that have helped me along my professional and personal career.