hi there👋, I'm
Chenwan Halley Zhong
23, she/her
MS in Robotics student @ Northwestern University | Musician
about me.
As a robotics student at Northwestern University, I build robots designed to survive the transition from the lab to the real world. My passion lies in creating robust, life-enhancing robotics that solve tangible problems while maintaining a playful, artistic edge. I believe that the future of technology should be as much about soul and aesthetics as it is about sensors and code, and I am committed to developing reliable platforms that make a more beautiful, functional world possible.
projects.
This system integrates Machine Learning with precision mechatronics to perform real-time piano accompaniment from vocal input. I developed a MIR pipeline that transcribes audio into MIDI, which is then mapped by high-performance C++ firmware to a coordinated 60-actuator array. The hardware features a modular CAD assembly validated through motion simulation and 3D printing, powered by custom PCBs designed to manage high-current inductive loads through dedicated power isolation and transient suppression.
- Embedded Systems
- PCB
- Max/MSP
- CAD
- DSP
- Machine Learning
- Audio Processing
Engineered a modular ROS 2 and MoveIt 2 framework for the Franka Emika Panda to enable autonomous Hex-Bug sorting. A monocular sky camera feeds an HSV color classifier and AprilTag-based calibration pipeline that establishes a static TF tree, grounding all camera detections in robot base coordinates for reliable pick-and-place planning. For moving targets, a direct joint trajectory injection pathway bypasses MoveIt entirely, publishing IK-solved commands at 20 Hz to track and intercept live bugs in real time.
- ROS 2
- MoveIt 2
- Rviz
- Computer Vision
- OpenCV
- IK/FK
- Motion Planning
Interactive Oropharyngeal-Swab Robot System: High-Precision Pandemic Response Platform
Developed an autonomous oropharyngeal-swab robotic system for high-efficiency, contactless pandemic response, integrating a multi-modal pipeline for precision and safety. We engineered a gesture-based HRI using Leap Motion to enable intuitive, touchless control over the sampling process. The system utilizes a vision-based detection pipeline for target localization and optimized motion planning algorithms to execute collision-free trajectories within the oral cavity. The integrated platform successfully streamlined the sampling cycle to 42 seconds while maintaining robust data synchronization through a custom mobile application.
- Gesture Recognition
- Embedded Systems
- HRI
- Medical Robotics
- Computer Vision
- IK/FK
- Motion Planning
- Leap Motion
Developed a complete ROS 2 C++ mobile robotics stack from scratch, including an SE(2) geometry library, differential-drive kinematics, and a physics-accurate simulator, while implementing a real-time EKF SLAM estimator for joint state tracking of robot pose and cylindrical landmarks. The perception pipeline utilizes Pratt algebraic circle fitting for LiDAR-based obstacle detection, incorporating a robust data association logic that employs Euclidean distance gating to overcome systematic Mahalanobis distance failures caused by high initial covariance.
- ROS 2
- C++
- EKF
- LiDAR
- TurtleBot3
- SLAM
- RViz
- TF2
- Catch2
RoboTheater: A Multi-Robot Storytelling Platform from LLM Scripts to Stage Performance
Designed and implemented RoboTheater, an automated end-to-end platform that translates Generative AI (LLM) scripts into synchronized multi-robot stage performances. We developed a multimodal mapping pipeline that autonomously converts structured JSON scripts into coordinated robotic motion primitives, ElevenLabs-driven expressive speech, and Midjourney-generated environmental projections. The system utilizes an MQTT-based wireless architecture to ensure sub-millisecond synchronization across a swarm of modular robots, effectively bridging computational narrative with physical embodiment. Through pilot user studies, the platform demonstrated high efficacy in conveying complex emotions and character relationships through spatial choreography and rhythmic timing.
- Multi-Robot Systems
- Swarm Robotics
- HRI
- MQTT
- LLM
- TTS
- Tangible
- Storytelling
SofiBuddy: A Soft Mobile Interface for On-Body Interaction
Designed and developed SofiBuddy, a biomimetic soft robotic interface for intimate on-body interaction. We engineered a 10.2g lightweight transition module using a rack-and-pinion system to convert high-torque motor rotation into linear displacement for wearable applications. By implementing a curvature-based pneumatic control system with ESP32 and miniature diaphragm pumps, the project explores the integration of silicone-based compliant mechanisms with real-time haptic feedback in VR environments.
- Soft Robotics
- HRI
- PCB
- CAD
- Wearables
- Haptic
- Ecoflex
- Pneumatic Actuation
Autonomous Biomimetic Quadruped Robot
Designed and developed a biomimetic quadruped robot with a 3-DOF leg design for simulated search-and-rescue missions. Controlled by an STM32, the robot implements a stable Trot gait using Inverse Kinematics and composite cycloid trajectory planning. To address navigation in unstructured environments, we developed a real-time attitude adjustment strategy leveraging IMU data to dynamically shift the Center of Mass, enabling the robot to traverse 10° slopes, stairs, and gravel paths. The system also integrates ultrasonic obstacle avoidance, infrared line tracking, and color recognition modules for autonomous path planning.
- Gait Planning
- IK/FK
- Microcontroller
- Embedded Systems
- STM32
- PID
- IMU
technical skills.
Software:
Python (PyTorch, OpenCV), C, C++, C#, MATLAB, Git, Linux, Bash
Robotics & Simulation:
ROS 2, SLAM, CoppeliaSim, Gazebo, RViz
Hardware & Fab:
CAD Modeling (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), 3D Printing (SLA, FDM, SLS, MJF), CNC Machining & Milling, Laser Cutting, Rapid Prototyping
Embedded Systems:
PCB Design (Altium/KiCad), Microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32, Arduino, Teensy, Raspberry Pi), Soldering, Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART)
Digital Arts:
Unity & Unreal Engine, Ableton Live (Max/MSP), Logic Pro, FL Studio
Languages:
English (native), Mandarin Chinese (native), Cantonese, French, Spanish, German
github contributions.
Open to collaboration.
I'm always interested in new opportunities and exciting projects. Whether you have a project in mind or just want to chat about tech, I'd love to hear from you.
Currently available for internships and full-time job opportunities
Response time: Usually within 24 hours
© 2026 Chenwan Halley Zhong