I’m Thiha Zaw (pronounced T Ha Zor), though you are welcome to call me William. I am a robotics-focused mechanical engineer and published researcher specializing in robot mechanisms, manipulation, and hardware development. My experience spans the full lifecycle of robotic systems—from concept design and kinematic analysis to hands-on prototyping, integration, and testing. I have independently developed multi-finger dexterous robotic hands and manipulators, built and controlled my own 6 DoF robotic arms, and contributed to novel mechanism designs presented at international engineering conferences. With strong skills in CAD (SolidWorks and Fusion 360), GD&T, Finite Element Analysis, rapid prototyping, programming languages (Python, C++, MATLAB), and Robot Operating System (ROS), I thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments where ideas are quickly turned into real, working robots. I am deeply motivated by building practical robotic systems that solve real-world problems and contribute to technological advancement for the benefit of humanity.
University at Buffalo, SUNY
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Robotics: Robot Operating System (ROS), Robot Kinematics, Dynamics and Control, Path Planning, UR3 Robot, Baxter Robot
Design: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), 3D Printing, Precision Instruments, Rapid Prototyping, Gears and Transmission Mechanism Designs, Parallel Mechanism Designs, Dexterous Robot Hand Designs
Programming: Python, C++, MATLAB, Simulink
Electronics: PCB Design and Manufacturing, KiCAD, Soldering, Arduino, Oscilloscopes
I used to own a Newtonian Reflector with a 900 mm focal length and 4.5 inches aperture, which is powerful enough to clearly see the craters of the moon, the rings of Saturn, and the storm stripes of Jupiter. When the weather was nice and the sky was clear, I usually took the telescope out and gazed the moon and the planets and took their photos. However, the telescope resolution is not enough for the planets to be taken with a phone camera. I am hoping to buy a more sophisticated setup soon to do astrophotography more professionally.
I love learning history and spend most of my leisure time reading history books. I also enjoy learning history by going to historical cites, visiting museums, and witnessing the historical records and evidence with my own eyes. I love travelling to ancient cities from old civilizations filled with ruins and remains in Myanmar, such as Bagan, Beikthano, Myouk Oo, and so on.
When I was in South Korea, I also visited the Demilitarized Zone between the north and the south. It is humbling, exciting, and scary to feel the heats of Cold War and learn the consequences of the wars, especially the proxy wars between the most powerful countries of the modern history.
I would never get bored to go to any kinds of natural museums and learn history of the earth, how life on earth came about, how did we became us, and where we are heading.
Science, aviation, and space museums always inspire me and give me goosebumps by showing the incredible achievements made possible by the collective efforts of humanity.
Visiting these museums renews my motivation to keep trying my best, have confidence in our future, and believe in the great potential of human ingenuity.