Pneumatic Actuation Rover

Mechanical Lead - UC Irvine MAE 106 Project

Project Type

Project

Date

Winter 2026

Location

Irvine, CA

Tools

SolidWorks

Fabrication

Laser Cutting

Tolerance Stacking

Overview

This project focused on designing and building a pneumatic-actuated rover that converts pressurized air into controlled mechanical motion, exploring an alternative to traditional electric systems. I led the end-to-end development, including CAD design, system architecture, and physical assembly. I integrated pneumatic cylinders, tubing, and control components within tight constraints, while addressing challenges like pressure regulation, airflow control, and motion consistency. The final rover demonstrated a functional pneumatic system and deepened my understanding of designing for real-world constraints, balancing force, control, and manufacturability within an integrated mechanical system.

COLIN CHU

COLIN CHU