Two years into her optometry studies and a call for help put Marisa Bucolo on a path she’d never imagined.

Her friend, a mechatronics engineering student – called on anyone to help construct a troupe of robotic ‘performers’ for QUT's Robotronica 2015 – Australia’s largest one-day robotics festival.

“Anyone who knew what a screwdriver could do was asked to help assemble robots designed to dance on stage during a Deep Blue performance,” Marisa said.

“While helping I spoke with professors and other students, and I knew then they were more… me.”

Marisa chose to reboot her career and enrolled at QUT as an engineering student majoring in mechatronics with a minor in robotics.

Now, in her final year of engineering studies, Marisa is working with CSIRO Data61 to develop her own robot for Robotronica as part of her Honours thesis.

“I’m developing the navigation algorithm for ‘Gizmo’ – a remote-controlled six-legged hexapod robot used for science and education demonstrations,” Marisa said.

“My thesis is to copy the Gizmo design and add extra sensors to get it walking on its own.”

Honours thesis

Dubbed “Wizmo” for its anticipated speed, Marisa’s robot will be capable of autonomous wandering without bumping into anything – or anyone.

Wizmo’s navigation algorithm is part of her honours thesis under the supervision of world-renowned roboticist, QUT Professor Jonathan Roberts.

“Marisa’s commitment to our Robotronica shows has been fantastic to witness,” Professor Roberts said.

“Engineers tend to be keen on delivering on their promises but sometimes that means they can miss a deadline. Engineering for public performance is an incredible experience and great way to learn under the pressure of an unmoveable deadline.

“Marisa has a background in performance from her school days and so she totally understands the ‘show must go on’ attitude of professionals in the arts. This makes her an amazing engineer.”

No regrets

With another six months of algorithm development ahead of her, Marisa will introduce remote-controlled versions of Wizmo and Gizmo to crowds at Robotronica on August 18 at QUT Gardens Point.

She doesn’t regret her decision to change career focus.

“I connected with the work and people so much in engineering that it didn’t feel like a chore,” she says.

“Robotic vision was also an interesting cross-over from optometry in that it helped to know how the eye worked and translate that into a robotic capability.”