Kai Yu

Robotics Engineer

I build games, application, and AI models.

About

I am an M.S.E. Robotics student at the University of Pennsylvania, dedicated to building intelligent autonomous systems. With a strong technical foundation in C++ and ROS2, I develop robust software for robot perception and navigation. Currently, my research focuses on Generative World Models, exploring how agents can leverage predictive dynamics for smarter decision-making in complex environments.

Research

  1. 2025 — Present

    Generative World Model
    Jiatao Gu Research Group, UPenn

    Conducted research on world models for agent-centric prediction and decision-making, including current and latent dynamics formulations. Developed and trained flow and diffusion based generative models for controllable sequence generation, and implemented preliminary energy-based model variants

    • Python
    • Diffusion Models
    • Generative AI
  2. 2025 — Present

    HAMR: Holonomic Autonomous Mobile Robot
    ModLab, Upenn

    Implemented sensor calibration and EKF for sensor fusion, contributed to holonomy analysis, 2.5D planning, and off-road simulation with sensor integration. Developed computer vision modules for visual SLAM and subject tracking in rough off-road conditions

    • Python
    • SLAM
    • Controls
    • Planning

Experience

  1. 2025 — 2026

    Robotics Intern · UNIS

    Implemented autonomous yard patrols using a quadruped robot, enabling waypoint navigation, dynamic obstacle avoidance, sensor-based image capture, and web-based monitoring and control. Created full-stack AI guest check-in system, supporting visitor/employee appointments and real-time status tracking.

    • C++
    • Unitree
    • ROS2
    • React
  2. 2023 — 2025

    Software Engineer Intern · Netpropriate

    Developed a Python web scraper using Scrapy to extract and process over 100 million data hashes, storing results in PostgreSQL. Authorized a comprehensive SRS document outlining system functionalities, technical requirements, and project scope.

    • Python
    • PostgreSQL

Projects

  1. RoboRocky

    RoboRocky

    Developed a planar boxing-arm simulator that uses Model Predictive Control with iLQR to generate fast, contact-rich attack, block, and parry motions between two opposing robotic arms. The system demonstrates real-time trajectory optimization and adaptive defensive behaviors.

    • Python
    • MPC
    • Controls
    RoboRocky RoboRocky RoboRocky
  2. deepfake audio

    Deepfake Audio Classifier

    Developed three deep leanring using different architecures to detect deepfake auido from real audio to prevent malicious AI generated content from deceiving unsuspecting victims.

    • LSTM
    • Tensorflow
    • Transformers
    • Wav2Vec2
    deepfake audio deepfake audio deepfake audio
  3. settlement detection

    UNet3+ Settlement Detection

    Implemented UNet3+ model for advanced electricity detection using satellite data on African settlements. The dataset used comes from the IEEE GRSS 2021 ESD dataset composing of 98 tiles representing a 64KM area.

    • PyTorch
    • WandaDB
    • PyTorch Lightning
    settlement detection settlement detection settlement detection
  4. minecraft

    Minecraft in C++

    Created a Minecraft clone from scratch using OpenGL, featuring custom rendering, texturing, and player physics. The game allows players to build, destroy, and move around, closely mimicking the mechanics of the original game.

    • C++
    • OpenGL
    minecraft minecraft minecraft
  5. cysafe

    Cysafe

    HackDavis 2023 winner, this project enhances biker safety by integrating LED blinker lights, a rear-view vehicle detection and alert system, and an emergency contact messaging system directly into the helmet.

    • Python
    • OpenCV
    • Arduino
    • Raspberry Pi
    cysafe cysafe cysafe
view all projects