Hello.

My name is Mahta Akhyani.

I am a motivated researcher with a diverse science and engineering background spanning chemical engineering, computer science, and robotics. My honors thesis designing mobile robots demonstrates my ability to bridge theory and hands-on engineering. Through teaching, volunteering, and extracurricular projects, I have honed my communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. 

My goal is to leverage technologies like AI and soft robotics to make impactful discoveries and innovations. 
I am eager to join a top research program as a dedicated team member, drawing on my adaptability and relentless work ethic to advance cutting-edge projects. 

  • Email: mahta.akhyani@gmail.com
  • Affilliation: University of Tehran

Research interests

My research interests sit at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and biological engineering. I am fascinated by technologies that integrate insights from nature with advanced engineering to create innovative solutions. Specifically, I am interested in topics such as:

  • Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
  • Bio-inspired robotics
  • Cognitive robotics
  • Wearable sensors

I am excited to further explore these domains through hands-on research projects, collaborations, and publications. My diverse engineering background equips me to tackle these topics through an interdisciplinary approach.

Selected Projects and Accomplishments

I have actively pursued opportunities to gain hands-on engineering experience through projects, competitions, and initiatives beyond my formal coursework. Highlights include:

  • Honors Thesis - Mobile Robot SLAM: Designed algorithms and built a ROS-based mobile robot capable of simultaneous localization and mapping in unknown environments. This cross-disciplinary project drew on my knowledge of chemical engineering, mechatronics, and computer vision. My thesis was awarded top marks for its novel design and technical implementation.
  • Chem-E Car Competition: Led a team to build a chemically-powered autonomous vehicle and brake system for the regional AIChE competition. We successfully designed a zinc-air battery energy source and integrated controls to meet the competition requirements. This project developed my skills in technical collaboration, rapid prototyping, and applying classroom fundamentals.
  • Peer Knowledge Sharing Platform: Co-founded an online platform that connects students to share knowledge and tutor each other on technical skills. Led product design and user growth efforts. This experience enhanced my leadership abilities and passion for leveraging technology to broaden educational access.

I am proud of the proficiencies I have developed through these hands-on engineering experiences and eager to apply them to cutting-edge research projects. Please reach out if you would like more details on any of these accomplishments.

Projects

Social Robot

To put it simply, let us say the goal here is to give a robot the ability to be trustworthy and easy to connect with emotionally.As complicated as it is> psychology suggests that most of our perception of others’ feelings is based on what we know as body language and facial expressions.
Moreover, children with ASD have a hard time processing sensory data and this might lead to cognitive overload, which explains the oversensitivity to bright lights and loud noises.
Keeping these in mind...

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SLAM Robot

This project of mine was a SLAM feature implemented on my 2- wheeled robot, which I had designed for this specific matter.The robot was initially designed in Solid Works 2019, converted to urdf format, and simulated in Rviz + Gazebo environment using Robot operating system (ROS). 
After successfully parsing the robot's model, LDS (laser distance sensor), differential drive plugins, etc. were added to the urdf file. 
The simulation was then tested using a pre-made maze, in gazebo, for evaluation of localization + generated map accuracy.

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Fanjoo 
(Educational Startup)

"Fanjoo" revovles around the idea of giving everyone the chance to make money from what they learn, instantly.For this matter to happen, we started developing a so-called web-based platform in which you could share your skills, your experience in a field, or even your mom's delicious cookies recipies in the form of short videos and-or series of them in a row.
What differed from what other platforms like YouTube or KhanAcademy was the foundamental openness to every single person contributing in the teaching process while also beeing obligated by Fanjoo to teach something in return as well.

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Line Following Robot

Line following robot was made using off-shelf ...

All Projects