Youssef Bouhaja - Projects and Contributions

Moul Maticha: A Tomato-Harvesting Autonomous Robot for Moroccan Farms

What?

My team and I developed an agricultural robot to automate the tomato harvesting process in Morocco, reducing manual labor through mechanical efficiency. The robot features a mobile chassis equipped with a maneuverable robotic arm, which uses a camera to detect and assess the ripeness of tomatoes. Once ripe, the tomatoes are picked and kept in a collection cart.

How?

Produced 3D CAD models and detailed 2D engineering drawings using Autodesk Fusion 360 for the robot chassis and multi-DOF robotic arm.
Built and prototyped the mobile robot, and a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom for tomato harvesting.
Applied Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to reduce assembly complexity and costs.

Results?

Moul Maticha effectively met objectives of cost-effectiveness, safety, and quality. Its software still needs further improvements.
The design and implementation were documented and featured in a journal research paper.
Won first place in the AUI Annual Engineering Design Competition 2024.

For more information, check out the [project report.]

[initial demo video]

Skills: Python - Computer vision - Prototyping - Fusion360 - Assembling and testing.

Status: Ongoing

VEX Competitions - Mechanical team head

What?

The VEX Robotics Competition is an international robotics competition where teams design, build, and program robots to compete in various challenges. Over the past three years, our team has participated and achieved the national championship for two consecutive years. I was a dedicated member of my VEX Robotics Competition Team and eventually served as Head of the mechanical sub-team.

How?

Contributed from ideation and design to manufacturing and integration.
Assisted in developing the Trajectory Design module, emphasizing principles of projectile motion.
Collaborated on mechanical design and optimization processes to improve performance and functionality.

Results?

Achieved national championships for 2022, 2023, and 2024, showcasing our team's innovation and hard work and contributing to a strong reputation for our university in engineering and robotics.
Improved engineering and problem-solving skills through hands-on experience and collaboration in a competitive environment.

After 3 days of working with almost no sleep

AUROBAT '24 Competition - Organizer & Coordinator

What?

AUROBAT is an annual robotics competition held at Al Akhawayn University, bringing together students from across Morocco, including rural areas, who share a passion for robotics and problem-solving.

Seeing these young minds tackle complex challenges with such enthusiasm and determination is always a rewarding experience. The competition is more than just building robots; it’s about creativity, perseverance, and teamwork. Watching younger students refine their designs, troubleshoot issues, and celebrate their achievements makes every late night and long hour completely worth it. It’s a joy to witness their excitement and know that we’re helping shape the future of innovation.

How?

Reviewed team applications, assisted in the selection process, and coordinated with accepted participants to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
Managed communication and logistics across multiple AUI departments (Housing, Dining, Marketing & Communication, Security, and Engineering school) to secure accommodations, book venues, and ensure a seamless experience -coordinating internal sponsorships to cover over $7000 in housing and meal costs.
Designed, printed, and distributed event materials, including flyers, food tickets, badges, and winning certificates.
Reached out to sponsors and helped secure over 30,000 MAD in prize funds.

Results?

Helped in delivering a well-organized edition of AUROBAT 2024, hoping to bring participants closer to STEM and robotics.
Contributed to creating a memorable experience.

AUROBAT '25 Competition -

What?

The fifth edition of AUROBAT challenges participants to design and build autonomous farming robots to tackle real-world agricultural tasks. With agriculture facing labor shortages and efficiency demands, this year’s theme, "The Farmer Robot," pushes teams to develop innovative robotic solutions for smarter, more sustainable farming.

How?

Results?

Can't wait to find out :)
at Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, on May 24–25, 2025

Control Systems Class Project

The control systems final project involved solving practical problems related to control systems theory. Tasks included providing Simulink results, analyzing transfer functions, modeling systems in MATLAB/Simulink, and determining stability using the Routh-Hurwitz Stability Criterion. Other aspects included analyzing impulse responses, deriving transfer functions from signal flow graphs, and implementing feedback control.

[Click on it to see the full document]

Skills: MATLAB - Simulink - LaTeX - PID

Status: completed

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Get in touch at Y.bouhaja@aui.ma