Nathan Delson's Portfolio - MAELabs UCSD

Lead Designer/Researcher
Nathan Delson’s Portfolio
ndelson@ucsd.edu
Robot Programming by Human Demonstration
Gripper instrumented with 6 axis force/torque and motion sensors measures human
demonstration of tasks. Multiple demonstrations are performed to learn adaptation to task
environment. Robot program is generated directly from measured data. Built together with Harry
West and James Pinkley.
Instrumented Laryngoscope
Laryngoscope is instrumented with 6 axis force/torque and motion sensors. Airway intubation is
performed in the operating room by exerts and novices on the same patient. The data is used to
estimate in vivo tissue properties, quantify expert skill, and eventually develop advanced training
mannequin to improve patient safety. Collaborative project with Randolph H. Hasting, MD, PhD,
and Matthew B. Weinger, MD, and numerous students.
Coactive Drive: An Actuator for Force Feedback Applications
Coactive Drive is a novel actuator based upon opposing repulsive electromagnetic forces. It has
unique properties that are analogous to biological muscle systems, including passive stability and
open loop position and stiffness controllability. These actuators are well suited for force feedback
applications in human interfaces, and have been patented and licensed to Immersion Corporation
(San Jose CA). Developed and marketed together with John Houston.
Repulsive magnet
pair
Electromagnet

Lead Designer/Researcher (continued)
Nathan Delson’s Portfolio
ndelson@ucsd.edu
Robopogo: An Air Powered Hopping Robot
Dynamic hopping robot that uses lightweight pneumatic actuators (air muscles). Under
microprocessor control the robot recovers energy during each hop, similar to a person
jumping on a trampoline. Applications include remote monitoring and entertainment.
Collaborative project with Prof. Thomas Hanak and numerous students.
gray bumper
black bumper
At impact Mid-Flight Max Height
Head Over Heals Gait (under development)
Sensor Lab: A Sensor Based System for High School Science Education
Sensor system designed for high school science education. Simple interface with force and
optical sensors allows for precise measurement of time. Developed with Andrezej Skoskiewicz
and Koen De Witte.
Wild-Blueberry Picker
Novel approach to picking and transporting berries in uneven terrain.
Built together with David Porat and Harry West at Design Continuum
Improved Biopsy Needle for Fine Needle Aspiration
Needle improves the ability of a doctor to gather a biopsy of a specimen.
Built together with Dr. Mary L. Krinsky
Pipette for in vitro Fertilization
Device provides increase sensitive to allow for fine manipulation.

Twistmaster Jar Opener
Advisor of Student Projects
Nathan Delson’s Portfolio
ndelson@ucsd.edu
Award Winner Collegiate Inventors Program, National Inventors Hall of Fame 1999
Automated Jar Opening device for the elderly or children, sponsored by Black and Decker
by Jennifer Davis, Marcus Malinosky, and Lee Colins
Planing Hull Catamaran
Award Winner Collegiate Inventors Program, National Inventors Hall of Fame 1999
Sailboat that combines advantages of Catamaran and Sailboard for increased speed
by Tobin Fisher (currently attending Stanford Product Design Program) & Marcus Malinosky
Sociable Robotic Head Design
First place in the ASME Western Regional Old Guard Oral Presentation Competition
Nine degrees of freedom head is used for Cognitive Sciences research.
By Gregory Burton, Karly Moore, Matt Niccolls, and Weixing Zhou (co-advised with Jerry
Tustaniwskyj) (2003)

Mobile Cervical Spine Traction Device
Advisor of Student Projects (continued)
Nathan Delson’s Portfolio
ndelson@ucsd.edu
Provides for cervical traction to be applied in a neck mounted device, allowing user to freely walk,
sit, and move (patent pending). Sponsored by Ohana Medical Concepts. (2002)
By, Jack Barry, Eric Bruce, Erik Tuzzio, and David Youmans (co-advised with Jerry Tustaniwskyj)
Umbilical Cord Cutter
Third place in the ASME Western Regional Old Guard Oral Presentation Competition
Cord cutter for infants helps in difficult deliveries where umbilical cord may be rapped around
neck. Cutter separates into two halves and provides valve to sample blood. (2001)
by Aaron Burmeister, Jessica Lanzisera, and Devon Brown (co-advised with David Tribolet)
In-Bottle Pill Dispenser
Bottle insert dispenses one pill at a time, allowing users with tremors to easily take one pill at a
time. By Charles Wachter. (1998)

Advisor of Student Projects (continued)
Nathan Delson’s Portfolio
ndelson@ucsd.edu
Wheelchair Mounted Door Opener
Finalist in the Whitaker Foundation EMBS Student Design Competition,1996
Device is attached by user to door handle. When wheelchair backs up, cable activated device
twists knob and opens door. By Damian Campbell, Barbara Creary, and Greg Lund
Redesign of Orthotic Splint
Improved cable activated splint device customized for individual user to allow for visual display of
gripping force and motor activation. By Geoffrey Klein.(1996)
Course Web Pages
MAE 3 Introduction to Engineering Graphics and Design.
www.maelabs.ucsd.edu/mae3
MAE156A Fundamental Principles Of Mechanical Design I:
www.maelabs.ucsd.edu/mae156/mae156a_w04
MAE156A Fundamental Principles Of Mechanical Design II:
www.maelabs.ucsd.edu/mae156/student_projects.htm
MAE150 Computer Aided Analysis and Design:
www.maelabs.ucsd.edu/mae150
Resources Page:
www.maelabs.ucsd.edu