Personal Projects

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PolyUMI - Touch + Vision + Audio Manipulation Data Collector

A novel multi-modal data collection system for robot imitation learning.

Tactile Sensing Robotic Manipulation Imitation Learning Diffusion Policy Raspberry Pi Python SLAM ROS 2

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LeHome Challenge 2026

Fine-tuned vision-language-action (VLA) model for bimanual garment folding.

NVIDIA IsaacSim SmolVLA LeRobot VLA Robotics Deep Learning Python

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SLAM from Scratch

ROS 2-based lidar SLAM + control stack for Turtlebot3, with control, kinematics, geometry, and simulation tooling developed from scratch.

ROS 2 C++ SLAM Turtlebot3 RViz TF LiDAR

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PenPal - Conversational Arm

Vision-guided robotic system which reads & writes text on a whiteboard held by a user. Built with a Franka Emika 7dof arm and a RealSense camera.

ROS 2 OpenCV MoveIt Robotic Arm RealSense Python

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ML/AI Algorithms from Scratch

Collection of AI/ML algorithms for robotic navigation and perception, implemented from scratch in Python (just numpy & pandas).

Python Deep Learning Navigation Path Planning Sensor Fusion Particle Filter SVM A*

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Robot as a Service (RaaS)

Browser-based robotic teleoperation platform using WebRTC and AWS Kinesis Video, with research plans for adaptive latency compensation via command forecasting.

WebRTC AWS Kinesis Video TypeScript Robotics

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Letterboxed Solver

Optimal solver for NYT Letterboxed puzzles using graph search with A*, written in Rust.

Rust Graph Search A* Algorithms

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Traveler IV - USC Rocket Propulsion Lab

The first entirely student-designed, built, and launched rocket to fly to space.

Avionics Electronics Embedded Systems Rocket Engineering Launch Operations

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RPL Avionics System

Avionics system designed and built for the Traveler IV rocket, which successfully deployed parachutes and transmitted real-time trajectory data to space and back.

Avionics Electronics Flight Software Embedded Systems Real-Time Systems

Professional Work

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CHSC - Consulting

My independent consulting business. Device firmware, cloud software, robotics, and product management.

Firmware Cloud Architecture Backend Development Python AWS BLE Embedded Systems FDA Medical Device

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Wesper - Sleep Lab at Home

Firmware, cloud architecture, and backend development for a consumer sleep monitoring device, from prototype -> FDA clearance & mass production.

Firmware Cloud Architecture Backend Development Python AWS BLE Embedded Systems FDA Medical Device

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Honeybee Robotics - Space Drills

Software & electrical engineering for exploration robotics systems. Contributed to NASA missions including Europa Lander drilling system, Venus Drill, and PlanetVac regolith sampling system.

ROS Robotics Software Engineering Electrical Engineering Motor Control Altium Board Design

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NASA JPL - Sphinx Deep-Space Avionics BSP

1U avionics board for deep space missions. Created automated board validation test suite and firmware for memory controllers and communication buses. Flew on NASA's NEA Scout, Lunar Flashlight, and MarCO cubesat missions.

Avionics Electronics Embedded Systems FPGA Spacecraft

Art

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Wise John - Music

800k+ streams on Spotify for the songs I've written, performed, produced, and released.

Music Production Songwriting Performance Visual Art

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DreamGAN

Narrative video generation from prompt sequences, inspired by dream journals.

Visual Art Python Machine Learning Video Generation Prompt Engineering

M.S. in Robotics @ Northwestern: Coursework

Robot Dynamics & Control

• ME449 Robotic Manipulation - Prof. Kevin Lynch
• ME314 Machine Dynamics - Prof. Todd Murphey
• ME450 Embedded Systems in Robotics - Prof. Matthew Elwin

Embodied AI + ML

• CS469 Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence in Robotics - Prof. Brenna Argall
• CS396 Reasoning and Planning in the Foundation Models Era - Prof. Manling Li
• ME495 Sensing, Navigation, and Machine Learning for Robotics - Prof. Matthew Elwin
• MSAI437 Deep Learning - Prof. David Demeter

About

Hands-on robotics and embedded systems engineer with extensive experience building & deploying real-world hardware and software to spacecraft, medical devices, and consumer products.

Currently studying for an MS in Robotics at Northwestern University, focusing on robotic manipulation, perception, and embodied AI/ML.

In addition to my technical work, I also am passionate about art and product development; I enjoyed building and running my own startup-focused consulting company for 2 years, and have had a successful side career as a recording artist.

My philosophy is that while any capable person can make change, only a whole person can make change for the better.

cwhayes@u.northwestern.edu