Kai Stewart

Mechanical Engineering MSc @ ETH Zürich | Designing Hands @ ORCA

Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

About

I am a MSc student in Mechanical Engineering at ETH Zürich with a focus on robotics and biomedical engineering. I'm fascinated by how robotic systems can enhance and return functionality to the human body. My work so far spans dexterous hand control, wearable exosuits for rehabilitation, and the application of various sensing modalities. I enjoy working across these fields, finding where they overlap and building things that actually help people.

Experience

  • Mechanical Engineering Intern at ORCA Dexterity
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • Robot Operator at mimic
    Nov 2025 - May 2026 · 7 mos

    • Configuration and maintenance of robotic hardware for teleoperation data collection • End-to-end management of the data pipeline: collection, curation, and deployment evaluation

  • Hardware and Software Contributor at MSMD Robotics
    Sep 2025 - Jan 2026 · 5 mos

    • Mechanical design, CAD modelling and prototyping for humanoid arm and dexterous hand • Development of control systems and MuJoCo simulation environments for imitation learning

  • Grenadier (KSK) - Special Forces Soldier at Swiss Armed Forces
    Jan 2025 - Jun 2025 · 6 mos

    • Engaged in rigorous evaluation processes to join an elite special forces unit • Collaborated with commanding officers to support mission planning and platoon leadership

  • Machine Operator at Swiss Armed Forces
    Oct 2024 - Nov 2024 · 2 mos

    • Developed proficiency in technical drawing in AutoCAD and CNC programming • Gained practical experience in welding and conventional machining, broadening my manufacturing capabilities