Yihan Shao, Lead Mechanical Engineer
WHY ARE YOU A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
One of my favorite things in childhood was watching the working excavator in the roadside work zone. I was deeply attracted by the roar of the engine and mechanism of the digging arm. Not satisfied with just observing, I began to make aircraft models and then participating in the robot competition in high school. The feeling of realizing ideas from 0 to 1 through my own hands made me truly fascinated. Therefore, I chose to pursue a mechanical engineering degree and become a mechanical engineer.
WHAT DREW YOU TO SOULO?
As I pursue my bachelor's degree, my goals have gradually become clear. I hope that my work can change the lives of others and improve the quality of life for those with limited mobility. Therefore, in senior design, we make a prosthetic gripper designed for people with disabilities. Shortly thereafter, I first learned about Soulo and was very surprised by a company that highly aligned with my goals. Therefore, I did not hesitate to join Soulo.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB AT SOULO?
At Soulo, I can apply my mechanical engineering skills in modeling, prototyping and manufacturing to reallife project. When the Soulo nail trimmer we designed together was recognized by our customers, I feel really happy.
SHOW US A PICTURE OF YOUR DESK AND EXPLAIN WHY IT LOOKS THE WAY IT DOES.
Besides a mechanical engineer, I am also a gaming fan. My desk is like a combination of gaming table and a work station. With the benefit of IoT tech, I can use the smart switch to change lighting mode between work and gaming.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE GADGET THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
My favorite product is my air purifier. It can help improve my indoor air quality, reduce allergens. I always use my 3D printer indoor, it will also reduce a lot of odor.
WHO IS AN OLDER ADULT IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO YOU?
The older adult who impacted me a lot is my grandfather. He was a teacher and he taught me a lot when I am a child. He treated everything carefully, and always be nice to everyone. He always take me to the work zone and explained the mechanism of everything. He was my mentor in mechanical engineering field.
TELL US ABOUT A TIME THAT YOU OVERCAME A DIFFICULT ENGINEERING CHALLENGE.
When I designed the prosthetics hand for my senior design, after I finishing the sketches, CAD designs and planned to prototype it, I noticed some features are too hard to realize even after several versions change. I made a brave decision to redesign everything from sketches. And I finally did it with the the absolutely new design. I am glad I made that decision, I paid much more time but my design can really help others.
WHAT WOULD YOUR SELF PORTRAIT LOOK LIKE?
This is a pattern in a snowboard from Burton called Deep Thinker. I want be an intelligent, perceptive and observant person with an abstract and analytical mind.