Education & Experience
I am a
C
Python, LAD
Arduino, STM, Raspberry Pi
OpenCV, TensorFlow
Solidworks, Fusion360
PCB Schematics & Layout
I am a Mechatronics student at the University of Canterbury with a strong passion for robotics and embedded development.
Throughout my studies, I have consistently achieved highly and have been fortunate to apply my theoretical knowledge to practical engineering challenges during my internships. At Global Bus Ventures, I specialized as an electrical design engineer, focusing on developing comprehensive electrical schematics to integrate components such as fuel cells, batteries, and high-voltage distribution boxes. These efforts contributed to the development of a functional hydrogen subsystem, which was later implemented in the chase boats for the 2024 America’s Cup. At Trimble, I was responsible for designing a product verification solution for a production environment. This involved developing a computer vision system, training a machine learning model for pattern recognition, and designing a high-resolution Hall sensor PCB to analyze magnetic properties. Now in my final year of university, I am eager for the challenges ahead.
Outside of engineering, I enjoy the outdoors—whether it’s overnight tramping or playing various sports. On rainy days, you’ll find me reading or working on my latest personal project.
Email: conalhsmith@gmail.com
11/2024 - 02/2025
As a Research and Design Intern at Trimble, I developed a quality inspection system for a component within a GNSS product. I designed and prototyped two solutions—a computer vision system utilizing machine learning for pattern classification and a Hall sensor PCB system with 64 sensors for high-resolution magnetic analysis—achieving a 100% classification success rate while ensuring feasibility for high-speed production.
During my internship at Trimble as a Research and Design Intern, I developed a quality inspection system for a componenet within a GNSS product. I researched and prototyped two solutions:
1. Computer Vision System:
• Designed a camera enclosure with custom lighting.
• Developed a computer vision pipeline and trained a machine learning model for pattern classification.
• Built a GUI for user access, and achieved conclusive classification across three categories.
2. Hall Sensor PCB System:
• Designed a multilayer PCB with 64 Hall effect sensors in a 30mm area for high magnetic resolution.
• Conducted sensor research and sensor data analysis for accurate classification.
• Programmed the PCB using an STM32 microcontroller, enhancing my embedded systems skills.
• Achieved a 100% classification success rate.
Throughout this process, I applied both DFA & DFM principles to ensure feasibility in a high-speed production environment. This experience strengthened my skills in PCB design, embedded systems, software development, and project management.
Recommendation:
11/2023 - 02/2024
Over the 2023/2024 summer holidays, I had the opportunity to intern at GBV, where I contributed to the development of a fleet of first-of-their-kind hydrogen chase boats for the America's Cup. I specialised as an electrical design engineer, working closely with state-of-the-art components, such as Toyota fuel cells and other high-value equipment, to integrate the hydrogen subsystem.
Responsible for the development of electrical blueprints for hydrogen chase boats, set for use in the America’s cup. Tasks encompassed intricate loom design, creation of comprehensive electrical schematics, and review and enhancement of existing drawings. Executed a range of electrical responsibilities, including the wiring of central processing units for the hydrogen boats, and conducting testing of diverse components, from motors to batteries, to ensure their operational readiness.Developed and fitted complex systems, such as the high voltage boxes for the hydrogen boats. Demonstrated adept problem-solving skills to assist in identifying and resolving electrical issues within a fleet of electric buses. Mechanical design and precision finishing of components achieved to high standards exemplified by the showcase of components inside the boat cockpit, such as the metal display interface to house various gauges. Contributed to the mechanical aspect of electrical buses, entailing the design of sheet metal components to be fitted to mitigate damage risks and safeguard critical systems. Tasked with the assembly and interconnection of high value components and entrusted with involvement in the design of packaging arrangements for exceptionally sensitive elements such as hydrogen tanks.
Conal has a great work ethic with a high consistency in his output. Conal assisted with the development of hydrogen vehicle subsystems, the development department works at an accelerated pace and his assistance allowed us to maintain pace without delaying milestones. Keen to keep a move on with work, he is motivated toward keeping good progress. Conal has dependable attendance and his consistent output left us happy with his contribution. He was a valued team member, and I am happy to recommend Conal to any prospective employer.
02/2022 - 11/2025
Final year student studying Mechatronics engineering. Current GPA of 8.29. Studies focussed on robotics and embedded systems.
2025
Description here.
2024
The 2024 Robocop competition follows a Harry Potter theme and resembles a mechatronics version of quidditch. Teams of 3 are required to design and build autonomous robots to compete in a knockout competition at the end of the year. The goal of each round is to collect the largest number of weights, points being doubled if weights are delivered to the robot’s home base. The snitch may also be caught for bonus points. The robots must navigate an arena, littered with obstacles and traps such as fake weights and speedbumps. Collecting dummy weights will result in a penalty. Rounds are short, consisting of only 2 minutes meaning that weight detection, collection, and primary areas for teams to focus on.
I was primarily responsbile for concept generation, and mechanical design. I was able to design and build a efficient weight collection system using a paddle and a ramp, testing concluding that it successfully collected weights 90% of the time. This design featured a continuity circuit for real/fake weight differentiation and a simple release gate to drop wreights at base. After concluding the mechanical design I designed the weight collection software, and assisted with navigational software (SLAM).
2024
The goal of this project was to program a remote-controlled helicopter to execute autonomous flight maneuvers using a TIVA board with real-time kernel control.
Key achievements:
• Developed PWM and PID controllers for altitude/yaw control
• Implemented ADC interrupt handling for altitude measurement
• Integrated quadrature encoder feedback for position tracking
• Designed user interface for flight mode management
Challenges included kernel integration and simulator-to-hardware transition. The final system successfully demonstrated:
- Stable hover within ±5% altitude variance
- 360° rotation with ±2° accuracy
- Precision landing capability
GitHub Repository:
Project Code
2023
Created from the ground up, including PCB design and assembly, fabrication and development of mechanical components, and programming.
Initially this involved using KiCad to develop electrical schematics and PCB layouts for both the main and line sensing circuits. The goal of the main circuit was to distribute power from the batteries to the MCU, motors, and light sensing circuits. This challenged my electrical design skills, but the result was a greater understanding of circuit design and analysis and two functional circuit boards/PCB’s.
The next step was to design the mechanical components of the robot within CAD, whilst optimizing for both speed and style.
The programming stage seemed relatively simple, however the robot was unable to change speeds, which I discovered was due to the motor drivers not being connected to the PWM outputs of the MCU. This was a major learning lesson as it how a simple mistake within PCB design can effect the entire system. By performing simple wire bypasses and touching up the code, the robot was able to swiftly maneuver the given course.
2023
The goal of this project was to develop a two-player game using UCFK4 microcontroller boards. Objectives included utilizing provided API modules to abstract hardware dependence, demonstrating clean programming principles, and creating a game of chosen complexity. The project was to be completed in teams of two with randomly selected partners. To maximize productivity, we discussed our respective strengths and weaknesses relevant to the project and identified areas where we wanted to learn. We challenged ourselves to design a high-complexity game (PONG) to maximize the learning outcomes. Overall, we worked effectively as a team and produced a flawless game, as reflected in our final grade.
The repository for the project can be found here: https://github.com/conalhsmith/2-Player-Pong
2023
This robot was inspired for the purpose of keeping my dog entertained whilst I studied. I completed this project before we had practiced applying technical knowledge to real applications within university coursework, so it was generally self taught. A challenging part of this project was actively avoiding all the similar projects online, as doing so would’ve taken away from my learning experience.
At this stage I didn’t have access to a 3D printer so I had to use some initiative in sourcing parts from around the house. Overall this project enhanced my problem solving abilities, and taught me how to split a challenging project into smaller, easier parts.
