Hello.
My name is Mahta Akhyani.
I am an M.Sc. researcher in Mechanical and Robotics Engineering at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), working with Prof. Pilwon Hur. My research is on physical human-robot interaction: how a person's internal state shapes their experience of being coupled to a machine, and how a robot should respond to it.
Right now I work on real-time state anxiety estimation for adaptive wearable exoskeleton control, and on trust in physically coupled human-robot interaction. Earlier I built a modular ROS framework for rapid social robot development, studied empathy toward robots in autism, and designed a SLAM-capable mobile robot for pipe inspection in the petrochemical industry.
An engineering background spanning chemical engineering, computer science and robotics lets me move between materials, algorithms and the human side of a system in the same project.
- Email: mahta.akhyani@gm.gist.ac.kr
- Affiliation: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea
Research interests
My research sits where robotics meets human physiology and cognition — specifically, how people and machines behave when they are physically coupled to each other. I work on:
- Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
- Biomechanics
- Wearable robots and exoskeletons
- Social cognitive robots
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.
About Me
I’m an M.Sc. student in Mechanical and Robotics Engineering at GIST, South Korea, advised by Prof. Pilwon Hur. Before that I studied Chemical Engineering (biotechnology) at the University of Tehran, and worked across robotics, computer vision and back-end engineering.
My work spans localization, social and emotional human–robot interaction, and industrial robotics. I defended my B.Sc. thesis — “Design of a mobile robot with SLAM capabilities for pipe inspection in the chemical and petroleum industries” — with the highest grade.
Certificates are on the Certificates page.
Laboratory Experience
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Brain-phantom synthesis — TeraHertz Systems LabDept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Tehran
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Social-robot developer — Advanced Robotics LabDept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Tehran
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Chem-E-Car competition — Pharmaceutical LabDept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Tehran
Areas of Interest
Skills
Hard skills
- Python
- ROS
- SolidWorks
- Web development
- Django REST
- Gazebo simulation
- Git
- Computer vision (OpenCV, MediaPipe)
- Raspberry Pi / Arduino / Jetson Nano
- C / C++
- TensorFlow
- NumPy
- Pandas
Soft skills
- Teamwork
- Self-learning
- Fast learning
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Problem solving
- Adaptability
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...
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.
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.
Line Following Robot
Line following robot was made using off-shelf ...
