Nathan Ramon Lau

What?
Taking inspiration from the open-source Dingo Quadruped, I fully redesigned and modeled a quadruped robot. Creating my own remotely controlled dog.

How?
By designing, printing and wiring my robot, I was able to learn critical skills in CAD, 3D printing, and electrical design. I worked with hobby servos as well as microcontrollers to create a working prototype.

Goals?
After finishing an initial prototype, I plan on reprinting and optimizing my design, as well as implementing ROS2 to remotely control the quadruped. Programming certain walking and jumping motions using inverse Kinematics

What?
As part of a UVA club, I created an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from scratch. Starting from a CAD design to fully operating electronics and motors. I was personally responsible for the frame and layout of the ROV while also contributing to the electronic assembly.

How?
By leading the Structures and Safety Sub-team, I was able to work on and oversee the construction of the ROV applying my skills in circuitry, 3D design, robotic assembly and mechatronic engineering.

Goals?
As the new Lead Engineer of my club, my goal is to participate and succeed in the 2026 MATE ROVE Competition. For this, we will need to refine and improve upon our current submersible, adding water quality sensors and a robotic actuator to pick up and move the items under water