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.



