Robotics & Software Engineer

Engineering robotics from software to hardware.

Robotics Engineer developing real-time software, embedded systems, control algorithms, and research-driven solutions with a focus on medical robotics.

cole.g.welcher@vanderbilt.edu
Cole Welcher

Robotics Engineering

Software, embedded systems, controls, and medical robotics.

About

Designing the software that powers intelligent robotic systems.

I am a Robotics Engineer with a background spanning robotics, computer science, embedded systems, and software engineering. My work focuses on designing reliable robotic systems through robot modeling, forward and inverse kinematics, controls, distributed communication, and real-time software.

I enjoy building complete robotic software stacks—from low-level control architectures and embedded interfaces to visualization tools, diagnostics, safety logic, and user-facing applications. Whether implementing kinematic algorithms, designing communication frameworks, or developing research software, my goal is to create systems that are robust, maintainable, and intuitive to use.

While my interests span robotics as a whole, I am particularly passionate about medical and surgical robotics, where software, hardware, and research come together to solve meaningful clinical challenges.

> specialization: robotic software systems
> expertise: modeling / controls / embedded / DDS
> focus: medical & surgical robotics
> philosophy: build reliable systems that solve real problems

Robot Modeling

Forward & inverse kinematics, Jacobians, motion planning, and system modeling.

Controls & Embedded

Real-time control software, state machines, motor control, and safety architectures.

Distributed Robotics

RTI DDS communication, telemetry, diagnostics, visualization, and debugging tools.

Medical Robotics

Surgical robotics, continuum robots, anatomical modeling, and research systems.

Robotics Projects

Projects connecting

Research & Publications

Research at the intersection of robotics, modeling, and medicine

Engineering Experience

Experience built across robotics, medical systems, research, and engineering.

Developing software for an MRI-compatible neurosurgical robot, including control architecture, DDS communication, kinematic modeling, debugging tools, and safety-critical system behavior.

C++RTI DDSFK/IKEmbeddedSurgical Robotics

Supported startup engineering work across additive manufacturing, electronics integration, environmental control systems, and technical operations.

3D PrintingControlsElectronicsManufacturing

Built automated diagnostic and vendor tracking tools for defense communication systems, improving test workflows, fault isolation, and component lifecycle management.

C++QtAutomationTestingPower BI

Designed biomechanical testing infrastructure, custom SolidWorks test rigs, and searchable databases for accident reconstruction research and experimental documentation.

SolidWorksTestingDatabasesResearch

Created electric motor models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation while supporting database organization and production issue resolution.

SolidWorksAutoCADMotorsManufacturing

Assisted with vehicle scanning, point-cloud processing, and 3D model database maintenance for biomechanical and accident reconstruction analysis.

FARO ScannerPoint CloudsCloudCompareAutoCAD

Education, Research & Honors

Academic training spanning robotics engineering, medical robotics research, and surgical robotics.

2026 — Present

Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

Vanderbilt University · Nashville, TN

Role

Research Assistant

Laboratory

MEDLab

Advisor

Prof. Robert Webster III

Surgical RoboticsMedical Device DesignContinuum RoboticsIBM Fellowship

2025 — 2026

M.S. Robotics Engineering

Worcester Polytechnic Institute · Worcester, MA

Role

Graduate Research Assistant

Laboratory

FuTURE Lab

Advisor

Prof. Giovanni Pittiglio

Contact-Aware RoboticsConcentric Tube RobotsRobot ModelingMedical Robotics

2021 — 2025

B.S. Robotics Engineering & Computer Science

Worcester Polytechnic Institute · Worcester, MA

Robotics EngineeringComputer ScienceEmbedded SystemsSoftware Engineering

Honor

IBM Fellowship

Vanderbilt University

Awarded in recognition of prior scholastic accomplishments.

Honor

Robotics Engineering Outstanding Senior

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Awarded annually to one graduating Robotics Engineering student for outstanding academic achievement and contribution to the department.

Honor

Robotics Engineering Outstanding Junior

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Awarded annually to one junior Robotics Engineering student demonstrating exceptional academic performance and leadership.

Honor

Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society

Tau Beta Pi

National engineering honor society recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and exemplary character.

Resume

A focused snapshot of my work

Download my resume

A concise overview of my robotics software, embedded systems, medical robotics, research, and engineering experience.

Download PDF

Contact

Let’s build something interesting