Rui Chang, a mechatronics engineering graduate (Western Sydney University, October 2025), combines toolmaking trade skills with mechanical design and software expertise. KBR intern (2022) in UI development and machine learning. Led Western Sydney Solar Car Mechanical subteam to zero-failure race performance in Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (2023). World champion in FIRST Robotics (Team 3132), project manager for top-ranked RI3D robots. Skilled in SolidWorks, CNC, Python, welding. Enjoys motorcycles, martial arts, and electronics.

Rui Chang

 

This thesis designs and evaluates three active claw type mechanisms to enable in flight docking of small UAVs, addressing their limited range through low cost, accessible methods like 3D printing and off the shelf electronics. Drawing from satellite docking and bio inspired perching, the pincer uses opposed fingers to grasp a handle; the fly trap employs semicircular plates to capture a ball; and the hook and loop utilizes folding fasteners for secure attachment. Tested prototypes demonstrate high misalignment tolerance and immediate grasping upon proximity, with evaluated benefits, drawbacks, and recommendations for future enhancements in autonomous operations like parcel delivery.