Hi, I'm Richard Ray

Mechanical Engineering Student & Aspiring Roboticist

I'm an undergraduate student at LSU majoring in mechanical engineering with a robotics minor, passionate about robotics research and underwater vehicle development. Currently working as an undergraduate researcher at the LSU iCore Robotics Laboratory.

About Me

I'm a mechanical engineering student at Louisiana State University with a robotics minor, currently working as an undergraduate researcher at the LSU iCore Robotics Laboratory. My research focuses on underwater robotics, including ROV and AUV development, with recent field work in Hawaii for coral reef research.

I've designed and built robotic subsystems, implemented autonomous navigation software, and collaborated on underwater vehicle deployments. My technical skills span from mechanical design and prototyping to programming and system integration.

Skills & Technologies

Python C++ MATLAB ROS SolidWorks Fusion 360 Arduino 3D Printing

My Projects

Underwater Thruster Test Stand

Underwater Thruster Test Stand

Designed and built a test apparatus to measure thrust output of underwater motors. Implemented force sensors and data acquisition system to generate thrust-throttle curves for ROV/AUV design optimization.

SolidWorks 3D Printing Force Sensors Data Acquisition
Smart Cane for Visually Impaired

Smart Cane for Visually Impaired

Developed an intelligent cane using LiDAR, machine vision, and neural networks to assist visually impaired individuals with navigation and obstacle detection.

LiDAR Machine Vision Neural Networks Python
Hawaii Coral Reef ROV Research

Hawaii Coral Reef Field Study

Collaborated in a four-student team on underwater robotics research off O'ahu. Built and integrated key subsystems of deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicles and performed field deployments with ROVs and AUVs.

ROV/AUV Underwater Robotics Field Research System Integration

Resume

Experience

2024 - Present

Undergraduate Researcher

LSU iCore Robotics Laboratory

  • Designed, built, and tested robotic subsystems including sensors, actuators, and control circuits
  • Developed and implemented software for autonomous navigation, perception, and manipulation
  • Collaborated with team to integrate hardware and software into functional prototypes
  • Assisted in maintaining lab equipment and troubleshooting hardware/software issues
2023 - Present

Student Worker

LSU Student Union, Event Management

  • Assisted in planning, coordinating, and executing campus events and activities
  • Maintained accurate records of event schedules, attendance, and resources

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Minor

Louisiana State University

Expected May 2026

Relevant Coursework

Thermodynamics, Statics, Dynamics, Fluid Mechanics, System Dynamics, Heat Transfer, Instrumentation, Manufacturing Processes, Material Selection, Simulation Methods

Projects

Underwater Thruster Test Stand

iCore Lab, 2025 - Designed and built test apparatus to measure thrust output of underwater motors with force sensors and data acquisition system

Robotics Coursework Projects

LSU, 2023-2025 - Programmed robotic arm motion using MATLAB/Simulink and developed cane for visually impaired using LiDAR, machine vision, and neural networks

Technical Skills

Software & Design

SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Slicing Software, MATLAB, Simulink, Microsoft Office

Programming & Systems

Python, Arduino, Linux, ROS, C++, System Dynamics, Prototyping, 3D Printing, Instrumentation

Get In Touch

Let's Connect

I'm always interested in new opportunities and exciting projects. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to work together!

Rray17@lsu.edu
(225) 620-2562
Baton Rouge, LA