Hello! 👋

I'm Matthew Hutchinson

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student

About Me

M.S. Mechanical Engineering at UCLA. I'm interested in how AI and machine learning tools — NLP, deep learning, reinforcement learning — are starting to change what's possible in robotics and physical systems. Most of my work sits at that intersection.

Python MATLAB SolidWorks GD&T FEA OpenCV Reinforcement Learning Deep Learning Natural Language Processing Additive Manufacturing Laser Cutting Control Systems Git Arduino

Projects

Autonomous Rover for Disk Transport

Built an autonomous rover to transport disks across ramps using camera-based line detection, PID control, and a mechanical arm.

ROS 2OpenCVSolidWorksControls (PID)Raspberry PiArduino

Robotic Arm for Automated Fiber Placement

Developed an impedance controller in PyDrake for automated composite fiber placement, focusing on accurate force control and dynamic interaction with mold surfaces.

PythonPyDrakeImpedance ControlContact ModelingUR5e

Motorcycle Maintenance & Modifications

Hands-on work on my Suzuki SV650: performed valve inspections, coolant flush, exhaust upgrade, oil changes.

Mechanical SystemsDiagnosticsTools

Laser-Cut Japanese Pagoda

A lantern inspired by Japanese pagoda architecture, made from laser-cut wood joinery and surface engraving.

Laser CuttingDesign for FabricationWood Joinery

Laser-Cut Maps

City and campus maps designed in Illustrator and laser-cut from wood at the UCLA Makerspace.

Laser CuttingIllustratorDesign for Fabrication

Experience

Fabrication Lab Technician

UCLA Engineering Makerspace

Sep 2023 – Jun 2024

Assisted students in laser cutting, 3D printing, and digital fabrication tools
Supported rapid prototyping for research and class projects
Maintained and troubleshot fabrication equipment

AAM Research Intern

NASA Langley Research Center

Feb 2022

Led a 10-person team in developing short-term lunar habitat mission pathways
Used optimization models in Excel Solver to evaluate scientific return vs cost
Co-led final review with NASA engineers and placed 1st out of 16 teams

Education

M.S. Mechanical Engineering

University of California, Los Angeles

2025

Specialization in Design, Robotics & Manufacturing
Graduate coursework in Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Optimal Control, Soft Robotics, Bionic Systems, Data Science
Focus: Robotics, Machine Learning, Autonomous Systems

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

University of California, Los Angeles

2022 – 2024

Graduated with 3.54 GPA
Graduate-level coursework in Robotics (Kinematics, Dynamics, & Control), Rapid Prototyping, Data Structures & Algorithms
Capstone and lab projects spanning robotics, mechanism design, and fabrication