User:Yujie Hua

Hello! I am Yujie Hua, and this page outlines my background, experience, interests, and skills. As an example of my work, I provide a walkthrough of the development of the Lyrata SmartSoil Growing System and its subsystems, where I transformed an innovative 3D-printable hydroponic grow medium into a functional product.

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering at the University of Western Ontario. Prior to earning this degree, I worked as a research assistant at Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), where I focused on developing tactile sensing and haptic interfaces for robotic surgical systems. Following this, I interned at BOS Innovations Inc., specializing in computer vision programming, manufacturing process design, and 3D reconstruction for automation projects.

I later earned my Master’s degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, with a focus on robotics, mechanical design, and AI-driven computer vision. During the first year of my Master’s studies, alongside coursework, I co-authored two papers on optimization algorithms and laser powder bed fusion technology. Subsequently, I joined Lyrata Inc. as a mechanical designer, eventually advancing to the role of CTO, where I led the R&D of a hydroponic growing system.

I am deeply passionate about leveraging computer vision and IoT technologies to solve complex automation challenges. Additionally, I am an avid 3D-printing enthusiast with extensive experience in mechanical design and additive manufacturing technologies.

LinkedIn

• 3D Printing
• Computer Vision | 3D reconstruction | Machine learning
• Robotic | Advanced Manufacturing

• Zhang J, Lyu T, Hua Y, et al. Image segmentation for defectanalysis in laser powder Bed fusion: deep data mining of X-Ray photography from recent literature. Integr Mater ManufInnov. 2022;11:418–432
• Zhang, J.; Patel, S.; Liu, Z.; Lyu, T.; Wang, Y.; Hua, Y.; Wang, W.; Hattrick-Simpers, J.; Vlasea, M.; Zou, Y. A data-driven framework to improve the wear resistance of a low-alloy steel fabricated by laser powder bedfusion. Journal of Manufacturing Processes 2024,115, 56–67

The objective of this project was to develop a standardized hydroponic growing system that utilizes Lyrata's SmartSoil grow medium, offering enhanced accessibility for both remote and local hydroponic cultivation. Leveraging 3D printing technology, we aimed to manufacture most of the equipment and tools remotely, thereby optimizing production and scalability. The development of the system involved designing, prototyping, iterating, and validating key components, including the circulation system, mechanical structure, lighting system, water chemistry, and monitoring system. Additionally, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was created to ensure consistent and reliable operation.

This project walkthrough will highlight the sustainability and hardware development aspects, focusing on three specific sub-projects: the SmartSoil dispenser, plant CV, and drainage system.

My latest work has focused on the development of hydroponics like the SmartSoil Growing System and their relevant tools. However, I am eager to explore new fields that align with cutting-edge research and emerging technologies. I think my rapid learning ability allows me to adapt to different areas quickly, and I am particularly excited to apply my skills in fields such as:

• Open-Source Hardware and Additive Manufacturing: Fully exploring the potential of 3D printing technology in open-source manners for developing sustainable, cost-effective tools in diverse areas including healthcare, renewable energy, and robotics.
• AI and Machine Learning: Investigating AI-driven automation systems, particularly in industrial applications such as robotics, computer vision, and smart manufacturing processes.
• Robotics and IoT for Automation: Solve complex automation problems in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, or healthcare, with a focus on improving efficiency and sustainability.

• Python(Proficient),
• C/C++(Intermediate),
• ROS(Intermediate),
• In-Sight(an Industrial Machine Vision Software, Proficient),
• Colab & Jupiter(Proficient),
• Linux(Intermediate),
• ImageJ(Proficient)
• MATLAB(Proficient)

My programming journey began with C++, which I learned during my first-year programming courses at Western University. Over the following four years, I frequently used Arduino and its IDE to complete various course-related and research projects. MATLAB also played a significant role, particularly for simulations and data visualization tasks. In my fourth year, I started using Python extensively for AI-related projects, and it has since become my primary programming language. During my research at CSTAR after my third year, I gained experience with Linux and ROS while working on surgical robotics projects. I later obtained my skills in industrial machine vision programming while interning at BOS Innovations Inc.

During my Master’s studies, I shifted to using Colab and Jupyter primarily for compiling AI projects. For image processing tasks that is done in a more direct manner, I relied heavily on ImageJ, where I wrote lots of macros for non-AI image processing tasks, such as semi-automated generation of ground truth images for AI projects.

Currently, I am working on data programming on AWS for plant data tracking and visualization. I also worked on a plant CV project, which uses inexpensive webcams to monitor plant growth and health, with the goal of developing cost-effective plant monitoring systems.

• SolidWorks(Proficient),
• MATLAB(Proficient),
• Arduino(Proficient),
• 3D Printers(Proficient, own 2 FDM 3D printers for hobby)

I’ve been using SolidWorks since my first year at Western University, and I’ve always been the "CAD guy" in group projects because of my passion for it. Throughout my undergraduate years, I frequently worked with Arduino to create IoT devices and robots, both for academic projects and personal enjoyment. My introduction to 3D printing came during my co-op at Lyrata Inc. in 2021, and it sparked a deep enthusiasm in me. Since then, I’ve continuously been designing CAD models, printing, iterating, and printing again. this iterative process has made mechanical designing for 3D printing one of my core strengths.