Joyal Puthur — Robotics Engineer

Who I Am

About Me

A Mechanical Engineer with a strong focus on design and a mechatronics edge — I have a knack for turning ideas into machines that (mostly) do what they're told.

After 7 years immersed in academic and hands-on learning, I specialize in designing and developing hardware, mechatronic systems, and control systems — building innovative solutions that work hard so humans don't have to.

Currently deploying and optimizing autonomous robotic systems at scale, with deep experience in SLAM navigation, LiDAR calibration, vision systems, and fleet management in warehouse environments.

View Resume

What I've Built

Projects

01 — Hackathon

3 DOF Maze

Developed an open-loop interactive 3 degree of freedom platform featuring a maze on top. Orientation is controlled via a remote equipped with an IMU — acceleration data feeds a microprocessor that outputs motor angles to mirror the remote's tilt. Concept, design, electronics, and code all completed within 24 hours.

Prof. Sunil Agrawal (Judge) doing the challenge — 24hr Hackathon, First Place.

See Live Source Code

02 — Autonomous Robotics

Crab Wazowski

Designed and developed an autonomous quadruped robot from scratch, integrating a 360° LiDAR module for real-time obstacle detection and navigation. Created the chassis in SolidWorks and programmed control algorithms using central pattern generators, improving the robot's locomotion speed by over 15%.

See Live Source Code

03 — Precision Systems

Food Printer

Developed custom G-code to enhance extrusion control in 3D food printing, achieving 0.4mm print tolerance and reducing print failures. Modeled a PID control system in Simulink for stable extrusion temperatures, achieving 2mm layer accuracy and reducing material waste by 80g per print. Implemented dual-point extrusion to expand usability across food textures.

04 — Industrial Design

Centrifuge

Developed specifically for Kalika Enterprises to streamline post-frying oil-removal. A mesh drum holds fried items while spinning inside an outer drum, effectively removing excess oil. Powered by a motor and pulley system with a durable support frame for consistent long-term use — a practical efficiency boost for small food businesses.

05 — Thermal Systems

Triple Tube Heat Exchanger

Developed a triple tube heat exchanger integrated with nano-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM) for efficient thermal energy storage, achieving 88.5% efficiency. Comparative testing across plain, finned, and nano-enhanced configurations showed ~3% faster charging and 5% improved discharging over standard PCM systems.

Where I've Worked

Experience

June 2024 — Present

Research Assistant

Robotics and Rehabilitation Lab (RoAR) — Columbia University

Developed user-focused headbands improving posture and mobility for individuals with cerebral palsy, resulting in a 30% increase in comfort scores based on user trials.
Created a load cell-integrated pulley system in SolidWorks, improving functionality and reducing assembly time.
Developed a closed-loop system with forward kinematics, achieving greater control precision and stability for robotic movement.
Conducted calibration of load cells and motors, integrating a DAQ system to enhance sensor feedback stability by 22%.

June 2022 — Dec 2022

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Indian Railways

Constructed and fine-tuned a testing rig for W-type locomotive compressors, enhancing mechanical performance and reducing setup time by 20%.
Improved compressor monitoring by integrating tachometers and temperature sensors, achieving an 18% increase in accuracy.
Fabricated sensor fixtures for stable data capture during performance tests.
Implemented quality control strategies using FMEA.

May 2019 — Aug 2019

Manufacturing Intern

Zentech Industries

Designed and modified high-precision assemblies for 30+ components using SolidWorks and GD&T, improving manufacturability with DFM/DFA principles.
Developed motorized fixtures for automated part positioning, integrating servo controls to reduce setup time from 45 to 32 minutes per batch.
Applied Lean Manufacturing techniques, boosting efficiency and reducing production time by 12%.

Academic Background