Building the Future of Robotics
My name is Jacob Mazelin, and I'm a robotics engineering student at the University of Michigan. I work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and automation, where my goal is simple: build tools that solve real problems for real people. I am obsessed with studying how entrepreneurs before me built and scaled ideas, and I try to turn that into systems that create value for the world.
Humanoid Robotics
Building humanoid systems that can see, move, and make decisions on their own in real-world environments.
Entrepreneurship
Reading biographies of successful entrepreneurs every night and applying their lessons to build meaningful solutions
Innovation
Creating AI solutions that save companies hundreds of hours while mentoring the next generation of programmers
Projects & Experience
Building the future through robotics, AI, and automation
Snowbotix - Robotics Software Engineer
Perot Jain Tech Lab Fellow
Built perception-guided docking using LiDAR/depth/IMU to estimate dock pose and improve reliability for autonomous robots.
Schupan - AI Research & Robotics Intern
1,200+ hours saved, $25K avoided
Shipped production automations saving 1,200+ hours, avoiding ~$25K in costs. Built 24/7 computer vision time-in-zone system (99% accuracy), UR robot arm manufacturing, and AI recruiting tools.
Automize LLC
Co-Founder
Founded Automize Labs; led discovery and shipped deployed AI systems end-to-end (backend, integrations, monitoring) while collaborating with YC-backed startups.
WolverBot Kickers Humanoid Robotics Team
Software Member & CV Lead
Built real-time ball detection/tracking with distance estimation to drive head pan/tilt. Deployed on Jetson Nano for RoboCup humanoid soccer at 30 FPS.
V1 @ Michigan
Product Engineer
Led a product-studio project from concept to MVP, validating with users and shipping iterations from feedback.
FIRST Robotics Team #5675
Team Captain & Lead Programmer
Integrated autonomous control, PID tuning, and computer vision. Mentored programmers and maintained code quality. Team Captain & Lead Programmer.
Hackathon Projects
Rapid innovation and creative problem-solving
Checkr - AI Mental Health Companion
🏆 LeanMCP Winner + Best Photon Hack
AI mental health companion for college students with empathetic voice interaction, automated therapist matching and scheduling, and context-shared multi-agent system via LiveKit and ElevenLabs. Made in 24 hours for NexHacks 2025.
Abraham Intelligence
1st Place Winner 🏆
Built a benefits and financial wellness guide for early-career employees with AI-driven recommendations, dynamic onboarding questionnaire, and voice support using ElevenLabs. Made in 24 hours for CodeLinc10 2025.
Surgent - AR Surgery Trainer
AR + AI Integration
Built Snapchat's first AR surgical training platform addressing the global surgeon shortage affecting 5 billion people. Features step-by-step AR guidance, real-time patient simulation, proactive AI mentor coach, and performance-based biometrics. Made in 24 hours for MHacks 2025.
Books & Podcasts
Currently reading and listening to
Books
- •Play Nice but Win - Michael Dell
- •Becoming Steve Jobs
- •Sam Walton: Made in America
- •Zero to One - Peter Thiel
Podcasts
- •Founders (376 total out of 400+)
- •Invest Like the Best (Private Feed)
- •Tim Ferriss
- •Modern Wisdom