Hey, I'm Gavin

tinkerer / dev

About me

a perpetual work in progress

As a mechatronics engineering student from the University of Waterloo, I work on 3D mechanical design, embedded programs, IoT, robots, and all things nerd. I like to keep this portfolio updated with various projects I work on.

Honestly, I’m just a guy who likes to tinker with things and see how they work. These skills and experiences are just a side effect of my curiosity. When someone asks for my hobbies, I usually say that I like to build things.

Also, I have a YouTube channel where I post videos about projects and things I have tinkered with that are not on this site. It contains snippets of small projects that just aren’t worth making dedicated pages for. Go check it out below!

Quick Note: My YouTube channel and Resumé are honestly probably more up to date than this site depending on when you’re viewing this.

Resumé YouTube Twitter LinkedIn

My Work

My projects and contributions

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO LEARN MORE

Please click on the images to learn more

🖐️ Other Hand

Developed embedded C++ firmware for wearable BLE device with dial and keyswitch inputs during HackTheNorth 2025, implementing state machine architecture for reliable user interaction
Built full-stack web application using Python Flask, JavaScript, and Bootstrap with drag-and-drop module system for customizable hardware input mapping
Designed and 3D-printed custom enclosure with integrated circuit design, including LiPo battery and charging support for hackathon competition

WATonomous Humanoid Robotics

Building robotic arms (6DoF) with tendon driven anthropomorphic hands (20DoF each), aiming for VR teleoperation
Developed software interface to bridge high-level ROS2 commands to low-level embedded systems over a CAN bus
Containerized ROS2 system in Docker, mounting CAN transceivers to enable communication between subsystems
Designed URDF models to define the transform TF tree for RL simulation and training in NVIDIA Isaac Sim.
Built visualization infrastructure connecting Gazebo simulations to Foxglove for real-time debugging and data analysis.
Assembled PCBs with 0.5mm pitch SMD components, soldered by hand, reducing assembly costs by 30%

bAIRiatric Supports

Developed IoT-enabled inflatable positioning aids to reduce pressure injuries for bariatric patients, using Arduino and WiFi connectivity
Created comprehensive healthcare solution including mobile web app with Flask backend and SQLite database for nurse-controlled patient management
Advanced to top 8 finalists among 50+ teams in healthcare innovation challenge through clinical interviews and prototype validation

FlexiTrack: Health Tech Innovation Challenge

Awarded 'Grand River Hospital's Most Innovative Project' for AI-powered patient mobility system using computer vision and gamification
Developed cross-platform healthcare application with SwiftUI frontend, Flask backend, and MediaPipe pose detection for real-time movement tracking
Designed adjustable 3D-printed camera mount system in SolidWorks to accommodate diverse patient mobility levels and prevent hospital delirium

Instrumented Knee Crutch

Developed instrumented knee crutch with embedded strain gauges for real-time weight-bearing measurement during rehabilitation therapy sessions
Conducted undergraduate research at University of Waterloo IDEAS Clinic, applying biomedical engineering principles to assistive device innovation
Solidworks CAD modeling and FEA simulation to ensure structural integrity and ergonomic design of the crutch

Feedback Loops: Adaptive Cruise Control

Developed adaptive cruise control system using feedback control theory with multi-scenario autonomous vehicle navigation capabilities
Implemented lane-keeping algorithms and safe distance maintenance protocols for dynamic traffic environments with cutting-in vehicles
Applied control systems engineering principles for real-time vehicle speed and distance regulation

Self-Balancing Unicycle

Built a simulator from scratch using C++ and CMake, integrating OpenGL to create a custom physics environment
Developed a CartPole-inspired control system focused on wheel torque control
Implemented cascading strong>PID to control: balancing and achieving precise position tracking

Dishwasher Magnets 🧼🍽️

Designed magnetic status indicator system using SolidWorks CAD software with embedded neodymium magnets for dishwasher organization
Implemented advanced 3D printing techniques including pause-and-insert for embedded magnets and strategic layer orientation for durability
Solved household communication problem through user-centered design approach, replacing temporary solutions with permanent magnetic mount system

Custom Tamagotchi

Developing portable IoT virtual pet device with round GC9A01 TFT display (240x240px) and ESP32 microcontroller for interactive gaming
Integrated photogrammetry 3D scanning using Polycam mobile app to create custom virtual pet models from physical stuffed animals
Implemented embedded GIF animation playback with IMU sensor integration for motion-responsive pet interactions and rotary encoder controls

Calendar Compare 📅

Won 'Best Adobe Express Hack' at HawkHacks 2024 with Google Calendar API integration web application for group scheduling optimization
Implemented OAuth authentication and Google Calendar API integration using Python Flask framework for real-time calendar comparison
Developed algorithm to analyze multiple users' calendars simultaneously and identify optimal meeting times for group coordination

C++ shitpost vid

Explored C++ programming concepts through creative video storytelling, combining technical education with entertainment for broader audience engagement
Produced educational programming content using Adobe Premiere Pro with advanced editing techniques and motion graphics for YouTube platform
Analyzed content creation workflows and digital media production processes

Autonomous LiDAR Navigation

Developed C++ ROS2 nodes to convert LiDAR data into a 2D costmap for obstacle detection and perception
Generated a world model from costmap and odometry data to represent the current environment
Implemented A* algorithm to compute obstacle-aware paths through the mapped environment

mathemati.co

Developed computer vision-based math learning platform using hand recognition for interactive educational experiences at DeerHacks 2024
Implemented MediaPipe hand landmark detection to enable touchless mathematical visualization and problem-solving interfaces
Created accessible learning tool combining computer vision technology with educational pedagogy for enhanced mathematical comprehension

Blink Twice If You Need Help

Designed a computer vision IoT wearable using OpenCV for real time eye tracking, triggering immediate emergency calls
Leveraged VoIP with Python for automated emergency calls, reducing response time
Built real-time eye blink detection system for hands-free emergency communication

Mechanical Engineering @ Sheartak Tools

Designed custom spiral cutterhead upgrades for client planers and jointers using SolidWorks CAD software and mechanical engineering principles
Developed automated product visualization workflow using Photoshop actions and created comprehensive user manuals for woodworking machinery
Built internal Python inventory management tool and produced instructional YouTube content for machine troubleshooting and maintenance

Ri3D Crescendo @ University of Waterloo

Completed intensive 'Robot in 3 Days' challenge at University of Waterloo, designing and building functional FRC-style robot under extreme time constraints
Engineered drivetrain and gearbox assembly while managing electronics integration and firmware flashing for autonomous robot operation
Fabricated custom components using 3D printing and rapid prototyping techniques to meet specific mechanical design requirements within 72-hour deadline

HackTheNorth 2023 Psych Tracker

Mental health tracking app built at Canada's largest hackathon
Simple metric system to log and analyze daily well-being patterns
36-hour weekend development sprint with team collaboration

Python Code Jam 2023 Benevolens

Automatic secret code translation tool using OCR and steganography
Implements text ciphers and XOR image manipulation techniques
CLI interface for quick encoding/decoding of handwritten messages

Skills Ontario 2023 Hockey Robot

Developed embedded C/C++ Arduino program to drive 3-phase motors and bluetooth controls
Designed custom protoboard assembly using TH soldering, saving 30% chassis space
Directed efficient recovery efforts as a collaborative leader, swiftly restoring the robot's functionality post failure, meeting strict deadlines

VTuber 3D Printed Fanart

Designed and 3D printed custom VTuber figurine using CAD software
Applied multi-stage painting and finishing techniques to achieve professional-quality collectible appearance

IoT Light Switch Bot/Mount

Designed a 3D-printed mount with an integrated web app for remote light switch control
Implemented an Ubuntu Linux web server, enabling remote HTTP access to room lights globally
Innovatively enhanced safety by designing a physical light switch mount, eliminating high-voltage work

Rapid React 2022

Collaborated to design an intake mechanism using SolidWorks for large tennis balls, contributing to our qualification for the FIRST Robotics Worlds championship
Leveraged CNC machining to craft a wooden prototype, uncovering the opportunity to enhance chain engagement by 10% through optimized linkage placement
Optimized tight corner performance, improving the robot's maneuverability and efficiency during competitions

Roof Gutter Rain Mount

Designed custom 3D-printed gutter adaptor using Fusion360 CAD software to connect dual parallel downspouts to drainage tubing
Executed precision measurement and modeling techniques using calipers for accurate fitting of complex water management geometry
Successfully solved residential drainage problem through cost-effective additive manufacturing, preventing lawn damage from concentrated runoff

Find Me Arrow Key Holder

Reverse-engineered novelty arrow key holder from Norwegian website using Fusion360 CAD modeling and dimensional analysis
Executed complex 3D printing with support structures and post-processing techniques including acrylic paint finishing for aesthetic accuracy
Demonstrated creative problem-solving by recreating commercial product through digital fabrication and color-matching processes

Automated Lamp

Simple LED lamp with automation capabilities
Breadboard prototype transitioned to perfboard design
Arduino-based control system for smart lighting

Quadratics Solver

Developed comprehensive quadratic equation solver using Python with matplotlib visualization for standard and vertex form conversions
Implemented mathematical algorithms for calculating roots, vertex coordinates, and axis of symmetry using quadratic formula principles
Created interactive graphing tool with object-oriented programming design for educational mathematics problem-solving applications

My Sticker/Clothing Store Cravin' Vinyls

Launched a dynamic multi-platform e-commerce retail venture, specializing in sticker decals, and clothing, driving revenue growth through strategic marketing
Elevated brand visibility through social media marketing, leveraging platforms such as Instagram, resulting in a 30% increase in online sales and a 20% growth in follower base within 3 months
Optimized financing, budgeting, and pricing strategies to achieve an 80% sales increase

COVID-19 Screening Bypass

Developed Python automation tool using Selenium WebDriver to streamline daily COVID-19 screening form completion for educational institutions
Implemented email automation system with SMTP integration to distribute screening confirmations to contact lists automatically
Utilized web scraping techniques with XPath element identification for reliable form interaction and screenshot documentation

Remote-controlled LED

Developed Arduino-based RGB LED control system with IR remote functionality using IRremote library and PWM output
Implemented random color generation algorithm with button debouncing logic to prevent signal interference and ensure reliable operation
Created embedded systems project combining hardware programming, infrared communication protocols, and analog signal processing

Motion Sensor

Built Arduino-based motion detection system using PIR sensors for automated lighting control
Programmed embedded C++ code to process sensor signals and trigger LED responses
First hands-on introduction to Arduino programming and hardware interfacing

YouTube Viewbot

Developed automated YouTube view generation system using Python Selenium for web browser automation
Implemented multi-tab cycling algorithm to simulate organic viewing patterns and avoid detection systems
Researched YouTube's anti-bot detection mechanisms and experimented with proxy integration for IP masking

Typeracer Python Bot

Developed automated typing bot using Python Selenium and PyAutoGUI libraries to achieve 170+ WPM performance on TypeRacer platform
Implemented web scraping techniques to extract plaintext from HTML DOM and convert into automated keyboard input sequences
Discovered rate limiting mechanisms in web automated interactions

Sashiko Hitomezashi Stitching

Developed Python random pattern generator for traditional Japanese Hitomezashi embroidery, intersecting computational thinking with cultural art forms
Created digital tool to generate binary grid patterns for STEAM-based creative problem solving during high school innovation challenge
Executed traditional embroidery techniques following computer-generated patterns, demonstrating algorithmic creativity in handcraft applications

This is my Wooden CO2 Car

Designed and fabricated wooden CO2-powered race car using traditional woodworking tools including drill press, band saw, and manual sanding techniques
Developed technical drafting and measurement skills through precise cartridge slot machining and complex curved profile cutting

GuhBot Discord Bot

Developed a verified Discord bot using Python and Discord.py, serving multiple servers with 24/7 uptime and automated hosting
Implemented AI chatbot functionality, meme generation, moderation tools, and COVID-19 statistics API integration
Designed user-friendly interface with minimal setup requirements, enabling seamless server integration for beginners