Graduate Engineering Trainee - Mechanical

R2D2 is the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development at IIT Madras, headed by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The group is involved in research related to human movement and the design and development of rehabilitation and assistive devices for people with movement impairments. R2D2 engineers affordable products for rehabilitation needs in India and beyond, working with end-users, clinicians, NGOs, and hospitals to field-test the designs and fostering a research environment to evaluate assistive device designs from biomechanical and functional standpoints. Using appropriate technology, scientific methods, and innovative translational models, R2D2 aims to enable easy accessibility and affordability of assistive devices and rehabilitation technologies. R2D2 has successfully transferred technology to like-minded industrial partners such as Phoenix Medical Systems and its startups, like NeoMotion and Thryv Mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• To initiate and conceptualize ideas on a system and subsystem level, physics-based first principles are used to develop them.
• To adeptly realize prototypes of desired mechanical structures through CAD software (like SolidWorks, Fusion360, etc.).
• Realize fabrication of developed designs using different methods, including CNC, 3D printing, and other conventional fabrication techniques.
• To use design for manufacturing principles to identify appropriate fabrication techniques.
• Realize prototypes of the entire platform by combining them with different sensing and actuation technologies.
• To take the initiative in the planning of R&D for the project and coordinate with the team regarding the same.
• To maintain organized, accurate, and complete experimental data and findings records.

Experience/Knowledge

• Excellent grasp of the first principles of physics and designing mechanical/mechatronic systems using the same.
• Expert in designing with CAD software (like SolidWorks, Fusion360, …).
• Coordinate with technicians, vendors, and other team members to realize prototypes using conventional/new fabrication methods, including 3D printing, laser cutting, etc.
• Experience 0-1 years