Mengren Wu (Ryan)
Mechanical Engineer | Robotics & Automation
I am a precision-driven mechanical engineer focused on robotics, automation, and micro-scale systems. I enjoy transforming complex mechanical challenges into real-world systems, from first-principles physics to functional hardware.
I am currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where I develop micro-scale automation systems, teleoperation platforms, and precision end-effectors.
I earned my Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in micro/nano systems. To further connect physical hardware with intelligent control, I am also pursuing an online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus on Robotics at Georgia Tech.
Selected Portfolio
Multi-Axis Precision Automation
Mechanical Design & Mechatronics | Stanford University
Designed and built a modular 5-axis belt-driven motion platform for rapid automated positioning and sample transfer, integrating stepper motors, pneumatic actuation, G-code routines, and vision-assisted X–Y alignment. For finer positioning requirements, assembled a separate closed-loop precision-stage setup. Developed custom fixtures and imaging mounts using CAD, multi-process fabrication, tolerance stack-up analysis, and iterative fit testing.
Skills:
- Mechanical Design & CAD
- Multi-Axis Motion Systems
- Precision Fixture Design
- Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis
- Mechatronics Integration
- Vision-Assisted Alignment
- G-code Automation
- Rapid Prototyping
Inverted Dual-Arm Teleoperation
Designed and evaluated an inverted robotic teleoperation platform integrating servo actuators, motorized linear motion, and sensing hardware. Applied mechanical design, structural FEA, and iterative prototyping to address stiffness, load requirements, assembly interfaces, and cable routing. Integrated and bench-tested the electromechanical system to evaluate coordinated robotic motion.
Skills:
- Mechanical System Design
- Structural FEA
- Electromechanical System Integration
- Linear Motion
- Robotic Teleoperation
- Prototype Testing
Robot Learning Testbed for Physical Illumination
Target Submission: CoRL 2027
Built a real-robot learning platform integrating 7-DoF leader–follower teleoperation, dual RGB cameras, LeRobot demonstration collection, and ACT behavior-cloning training. Optimized real-time control and data recording, achieving 62.5 Hz control frequency and approximately 30 fps dual-camera capture.
Designed and integrated mechanical structures for an adjustable lighting gantry and leader-side hardware, supporting configurable illumination and robotic teleoperation.
Skills:
- Mechanical Design & CAD
- Robotic System Integration
- Teleoperation
- Motion Control
- Multi-Camera Vision
- Python
- LeRobot
- PyTorch
- ACT
Auto-Locking Safety Mechanism
Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project | UIC · 2017
Developed a passive auto-locking mechanism for a retractable dog leash, integrating spring-loaded locking, manual release, and retraction functions. The project involved mechanical design, CAD modeling, tolerance stack-up analysis, structural FEA, rapid prototyping, and functional testing.
Award: 2017 UIC Engineering Expo — Honorable Mention
Skills:
- Mechanism Design
- CAD Assembly
- Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis
- Structural FEA
- Engineering Drawings
- Rapid Prototyping
- Functional Testing