About me

I am currently an MSc student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta, specializing in medical robotics and rehabilitation. My research is focused on developing a smart walker that combines a wheeled mobile robot with a manipulator, aiming to restore functional walking ability for individuals in need. With a strong passion for autonomous systems and human-robot interaction, my ultimate goal is to contribute to advancements in assistive technology and make a meaningful impact on enhancing mobility and quality of life.

Research Interests

  • Biomechatronics

    Autonomous Systems

    Autonomous Vehicles, Agricultural Automation, Surgical robots, and Marine Autonomy.

  • Robotics and Artificial intelligence

    Robotics and Artificial intelligence

    Mobile Robots, Human-robot interaction (HRI), Motion Planning, and Manipulation.

  • Robotics for manufacturing

    Control Engineering

    Adaptive Control, Digital Control, and Impedance Control for robotos and mechanical systems.

  • Art and Engineering

    Design and Engineering

    Mechanical CAD Design and Analysis

Resume

Education

  1. University of Alberta

    MSc in Electrical Engineering (Sep 2022 — Present)

    GPA: 3.90/4
    Supervisor: Dr. Mahdi Tavakoli

  2. University of Tehran

    B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Sep 2017 — Aug 2021)

    GPA: 3.96/4 (18.65/20.00)
    Thesis: Centrifugal Pump Health Monitoring Using Neural Networks
    Minor in Management: GPA: 4/4

Research Experience

  1. University of Alberta - Telerobotic and Biorobotic Systems Group

    Graduate Research Assistant

    ⚬ Proposed a novel method for gait symmetry analysis using an assistive Smart Walker as a diagnostic tool
    ⚬ Developed a real-time estimator and filter to remove gait-related components for a Smart Walker
    ⚬ Implemented the control algorithms on a mobile manipulator (Kinova Gen3 + Mobile base) for real-world testing

  2. RWTH Aachen - Institut für Getriebetechnik, Maschinendynamik und Robotik

    Visiting Research Student

    ⚬ Simulated a 7-DoF robot in Gazebo, integrating LiDAR and RGB-D sensors for perception
    ⚬ Developed a service-based framework using PCL and LiDAR for point cloud segmentation and trajectory generation
    ⚬ Explored real-time motion planning in ship recycling using MoveIt2, implementing path planning algorithms with collision-aware planning and end-effector constraints

  3. University of Tehran - SEECS Lab

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    ⚬ Developed a condition monitoring system for centrifugal pumps using a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture, achieving 99% classification accuracy in fault detection.
    ⚬ Successfully deployed the system on a Raspberry Pi Pico for real-world implementation
    ⚬ Designed a space-efficient enclosure for the device, ensuring its portability and functionality

Publications

  1. Vision-Based Fuzzy Control System for Smart Walkers: Enhancing Usability for Stroke Survivors with Unilateral Upper Limb Impairments

    Submitted for ICRA 2025, Atlanta, USA

    M. Chalaki, A. Zakerimanesh, A. Soleymani, V. Mushahwar, and M. Tavakoli

  2. Evaluating Gait Symmetry with a Smart Robotic Walker: A Novel Approach to Mobility Assessment

    Published in IROS 2024, Abu Dhabi, UAE

    M. Chalaki, A. Soleymani, X. Li, V. Mushahwar, and M. Tavakoli

  3. An Efficient Design of an Energy Harvesting Backpack for Remote Applications

    Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments Journal, Aug 2022

    A. Mostafavi, M. Zakerzadeh, A. Sadighi, and M. Chalaki

  4. An Intelligent Approach to Detecting Novel Fault Classes for Centrifugal Pumps Based on Deep CNNs and Unsupervised Methods

    Published in ICSPIS 2021

    M. Chalaki, D. Marofi, M. Robati, M. Karimi, and A. Sadighi

Teaching Experience

  1. Introduction to Engineering Design, Communication, and Profession (Winter 2024, 2025)
    Computer Programming for Engineers (Fall 2023)
    Design of Machine Elements I (Fall 2021)
    Finite Element Method (Fall 2021)
    Design of Machine Elements II (Winter 2020)
    Design of Machine Elements I (Fall 2019)
    General Physics I (Fall 2018)

Skills

  1. Programming and Frameworks:

    Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C++, Keras, TensorFlow

  2. Robotics and Tools:

    ROS2, MoveIt2, Nav2, PCL, RViz, Gazebo, Git, Arduino, Jetson AGX Orin

  3. Engineering Tools

    SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, LaTeX

  4. Soft Skills

    Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Innovative Thinking, Event Management

Honors And Awards

  1. RWTH Aachen – University of Alberta Junior Research Fellowship
    Mary Louise Imrie Graduate Student Award
    Fully funded M.Sc. Admission Offer to the University of Alberta
    Excellent Student M.Sc. Admission Offer to the University of Tehran
    Scholarship of Pedagogy and Application of Research Knowledge in Engineering
    Supporter Foundation of University of Tehran Scholarship
    Ranked in top 0.5% of 150k participants in the nationwide university entrance exam
    Gold Medal winner - PAYA International League (Physics contest for high school students)

Projects

Contact

Get in Touch!

Thank you for exploring my portfolio! I’m actively seeking opportunities in Robotics and Control Engineering, and I would love to contribute my skills to your team. If you’re interested in collaborating or discussing a potential role, feel free to reach out via email or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Looking forward to hearing from you!