Sai Katakota

From Blocks to Blueprints

Onshape, Autodesk Fusion 360, Bambu Studio, Arduino IDE
Arduino Nano, ESP32, Sensors, Stepper motors, Servos
Mechanism design, CAD, Prototyping, Manufacturing, Testing
Autodesk Make It Home Grand Prize Winner ($10,000)

Scroll down ↓

My Builds

01 · Research / Robotics
Robotic Arm for Optical Alignment
Wake Forest University
Developing a precision robotic system to assist with optical component alignment in a university research laboratory.
CAD · Mechanical Design · Robotics · Prototyping · Precision Engineering
Robotic arm photographPhoto to be added
1/4 · Robotic arm photograph
02 · Robotics / Mechanical Design
Phantom
FTC Team 21829, Circuit Breakers
Designing and prototyping intake, transfer, and shooting systems for game pieces to achieve rapid shooting cycles through iterative CAD development, manufacturing, and testing.
CAD · Mechanical Engineering · Prototyping · Robotics · Team Leadership
1/8 · Phantom CAD render
03
Nightwing
Designing and prototyping a linkage-driven claw mechanism that uses slides to reach four feet high and score game pieces in baskets, achieving rapid cycle times through iterative CAD development, manufacturing, and testing.
CAD · Mechanical Engineering · Prototyping · Robotics · Team Leadership
1/5 · Nightwing CAD render
04 · Electronics / Sustainability
Automated Drip Irrigation System
Exploring automated irrigation through sensors, microcontrollers, and engineering design to improve water distribution.
ESP32 · Electronics · Prototyping · Programming · Problem-Solving
Physical prototypePhoto to be added
1/4 · Physical prototype
05 · Leadership / Engineering Outreach
Expanding Access to Robotics
Helping immigrant students from low-income backgrounds access robotics education at LHCC through mentorship, team development, and technical resources.
Robotics · Mentorship · Engineering Education · Leadership
Outreach photographPhoto to be added
1/2 · Outreach photograph
06
Biophilic Community Recovery Ecosystem
A nature-centered recovery community designed to help natural disaster survivors rebuild their lives through safe modular housing, shared community spaces, and calming green environments that support emotional healing and long-term recovery.
Construction 3D Printing · Engineering · CAD · Competition Winner
1/11 · Finished community model
07
Modular 3D-Printed Affordable Housing: Designed to Combat Homelessness Through Innovation and Sustainability
A modular housing concept designed to combat homelessness and support wildfire-displaced families through affordable, fire-resistant homes that combine flexible living spaces, renewable energy, and access to essential online resources.
Engineering · Electronics · Prototyping · Construction 3D Printing · First-Place Winner
1/12 · Printed model and CAD render
08
3D-Printed Rack and Pinion Linear Actuator: cake topping
A custom CAD-designed, 3D-printed rack and pinion system that converts a stepper motor’s rotation into linear motion, controlled by an Arduino Nano and integrating mechanical design with electrical engineering.
CAD · 3D Printing · Mechanical Engineering · Electrical Engineering · Arduino · Prototyping
1/7 · Finished cake
09 · Community / STEM Education
Huntington's Fight Foundation
Co-founding a student-led nonprofit focused on Huntington's disease awareness, neuroscience education, and community engagement.
Leadership · STEM Education · Communication · Community Engagement
1/7 · Foundation logo