R&D Experience / Engineering / Deployment

Sebastian Tamayo-VegasPhysics-Led R&D Scientist-Engineer

Electromagnetics, Wireless Sensing, Nanotechnology and Computational Multiphysics - from physical modelling to validated instruments and intelligent engineering systems.

ElectromagneticsWireless SensingNanotechnologyComputational MultiphysicsAI / ML / Deep Learning
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Connected R&D PracticeActivate an area to inspect its systems
07Science - Engineering - Deployment
70+projects and technical initiativesMultidisciplinary science, engineering and technical initiatives.
13research outputsAdvanced science and engineering outputs accepted for publication.
1patent-pending platformPortable microwave characterization and wireless-sensing platform.
400+people coordinatedPeople coordinated through teaching, research, engineering projects, events, technology transfer and cross-functional collaboration.

Research & Development Areas

Main R&D Areas

Six connected domains organize a practice spanning physical science, intelligent computation, engineered systems, field deployment and technical leadership.

R&D Area 01

Advanced Science Nanotechnology

Advanced physical-science work connecting nanoscale structure, transport mechanisms, diffusion, percolation and experimentally measured material response.

NANOCOMPOSITE PHYSICS MAPScience Nanotechnology
01CNT NETWORKdispersion / agglomeration / porosity
02TRANSPORTpercolation / tunnelling / diffusion
03MECHANICSmodulus / viscoelastic response
04EM RESPONSEconductivity / permittivity / loss
05CHARACTERIZATIONDMA / nanoindentation / VNA

A material-scale map from morphology to measurable physical behaviour.

P052020-2024

Contactless Characterization under Acid Exposure

Problem
Chemical penetration can degrade CNT/epoxy structures while conventional inspection may require disassembly and extensive processing.
Solution
A contactless wireless method using microstrip-antenna scattering parameters, supported by multiscale electrical and porosity models.
Evidence / result
Wireless degradation signal
acid diffusionS11/S21VNAmultiscale modelling
View system
P062020-2024

Acid Diffusion, Mechanical Response and Wireless SHM

Problem
Harsh chemical environments create degradation gradients that require both local and bulk characterization to understand structural condition.
Solution
A combined mechanical and electromagnetic study using DMA, nanoindentation and VNA measurements across CNT concentration and acid exposure.
Evidence / result
Cross-domain measurement agreement
DMAnanoindentationVNAacid diffusion
View system
P072020-2024

CNT Agglomeration: Electrical and Mechanical Behaviour

Problem
CNT addition can improve electrical transport while agglomeration and porosity can reduce mechanical performance, creating a coupled design tradeoff.
Solution
A combined experimental and numerical investigation using mechanical and electrical testing, microscopy, RVE analysis, FEA and resistor networks.
Evidence / result
2 wt% reported percolation region
DMAfour-probeSEMRVE
View system
P082020-2024

Temperature-Dependent Nanocomposite Mechanics

Problem
CNT/polymer components can operate under changing temperature, requiring models that capture viscoelastic transitions and agglomeration effects.
Solution
Two RVE formulations and finite-element analysis validated against dynamic mechanical testing.
Evidence / result
Validated transition modelling
RVEFEADMAthermomechanical modelling
View system
Open Science Nanotechnology

R&D Area 02

Advanced Science Electromagnetism

Advanced electromagnetic science connecting fields, materials, antennas, resonators, scattering and RF instrumentation to measurable wireless response.

ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSING PATHElectromagnetism & Sensing
01RF EXCITATIONpatch / horn antenna
02RESONANT FIELDchipless structure / material interaction
03SCATTERINGreturn / transmission / RCS
04MEASUREMENTVNA / NanoVNA / anechoic chamber
05SENSING RESULTresonance shift / material response

Block diagram connecting excitation, interaction, measurement and interpretation.

P012020-2024

Portable Microwave and Passive Wireless Sensing Platform

Problem
Conventional material-health assessment can require contact, disassembly or laboratory processing that limits continuous industrial monitoring.
Solution
A portable non-contact microwave sensing architecture that links passive RF structures, instrumentation, controlled positioning and computational analysis.
Evidence / result
1 integrated portable platform
RF architectureVNAchipless resonatorsPython
View system
P022020-2024

Antennas, Chipless Resonators and Radar Cross-Section

Problem
Passive sensing requires resonant structures whose frequency, bandwidth, quality factor and scattering response remain interpretable under material and environmental change.
Solution
A family of modelled and experimentally evaluated antenna-resonator configurations for chipless and non-contact sensing.
Evidence / result
Validated resonant sensing structures
CSTHFSSpatch antennaschipless RFID
View system
P032020-2024

VNA/NanoVNA Measurement and Python Processing Toolchain

Problem
RF experiments produce instrument data that must be acquired consistently, associated with controlled geometry and transformed into useful engineering evidence.
Solution
An end-to-end VNA/NanoVNA-class workflow combining acquisition, electromechanical positioning, Python processing, comparison and reporting.
Evidence / result
Laboratory-to-deployment workflow
VNA/NanoVNAPythonmeasurement automationS-parameters
View system
P042020-2024

Free-Space Microwave Characterization of CNT/Epoxy

Problem
CNT concentration changes electrical and dielectric behaviour, but a contactless method is needed to assess how those changes alter microwave response.
Solution
A free-space patch-antenna characterization method combining VNA measurements with finite-element electromagnetic analysis.
Evidence / result
Distinct field-region behaviour
free-space measurementpatch antennasVNAFEM
View system
P102020-2024

Non-Contact Structural-Health-Monitoring Methods

Problem
Structural-health-monitoring applications need sensing methods matched to damage scale, access constraints, sensitivity and deployment cost.
Solution
A structured review of non-contact SHM tools and the tradeoffs between global, local, wireless and hybrid approaches.
Evidence / result
Wireless and hybrid sensing direction
SHMwireless sensingradarvision
View system
P222026

Wireless Sensor Networks for Agricultural Monitoring

Problem
Agricultural epidemic monitoring needs distributed sensing and communications capable of supporting timely field awareness.
Solution
A wireless-sensor-network research architecture connecting field sensing, communications and monitoring.
Evidence / result
Accepted research output
wireless sensor networksagriculturemonitoring
View system
P302024-2026

Cathodic Protection Sensor Design

Problem
Cathodic-protection monitoring requires dependable sensing and instrumentation to assess protected structures without excessive deployment cost.
Solution
A sensor-design project connecting electromagnetic principles, instrumentation, embedded integration and mechatronics for cathodic-protection monitoring.
Evidence / result
90% reported cost reduction
sensor designcathodic protectioninstrumentationembedded systems
View system
Open Electromagnetism & Sensing

R&D Area 03

Scientific Computing and Computational Engineering

The strongest capability area: scientific computing and computational engineering that bridge physical models, multiphysics and multiscale modelling, numerical simulation, AI, experimental data and deployable engineering systems.

INTELLIGENT COMPUTATIONAL STACKComputing, AI & Digital Systems
01DATA SOURCEinstrument / sensor / simulation
02MODEL DESIGNfeatures / representations / data pipelines
03AI / ML / DLsupervised / unsupervised / NLP
04SCIENTIFIC CODEPython / MATLAB / CUDA / GPU
05DEPLOYembedded / full stack / digital twin / XR
06VALIDATEmetrics / experiments / real-case feedback

Engineering data moves through scientific computation, learning algorithms, validation and physical or digital deployment.

P112020-2024

Computational Multiphysics and Experimental Validation

Problem
No single model explains how nanoscale morphology, transport, mechanics and electromagnetic response combine in a sensing material.
Solution
A computational stack that moves between RVE, resistor-network, diffusion, mechanical and electromagnetic models and closes the loop with experiments.
Evidence / result
Physics-to-instrument reasoning
FEM/FEARVEresistor networkdiffusion
View system
P092020-2024

CNT Conductivity, Percolation and Network Models

Problem
Conductive nanocomposite design depends on predicting when random CNT networks establish electron transport and how tunnelling distance affects conductivity.
Solution
Parallel three-dimensional resistor-network and finite-element models validated against electrical measurements.
Evidence / result
around 2 wt% reported percolation threshold
MATLABresistor networkDIGIMATFEM
View system
P242025

Backhoe Teeth Wear Prediction with DEM

Problem
Earthmoving components experience wear that affects maintenance, replacement planning and operating cost.
Solution
A discrete-element simulation approach for predicting backhoe-teeth wear under representative interaction conditions.
Evidence / result
Industrial predictive method
DEMwear predictionindustrial simulation
View system
P232025

Autonomous Mobile-Robot Logistics

Problem
Autonomous logistics platforms require motion-planning methods that connect perception and computation with safe mobile-system behaviour.
Solution
A deep motion-planning research workflow developed around autonomous mobile-robot logistics.
Evidence / result
Accepted research output
mobile roboticsmotion planningdeep learningsimulation
View system
P272024-2026

Applied AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning for Mechatronics

Problem
Mechatronics students and engineering teams need to move beyond isolated algorithms and connect data, learning models, software and physical systems in realistic applications.
Solution
A project-based artificial-intelligence and digital-systems practice spanning supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, NLP, scientific programming, embedded implementation and full-stack system integration.
Evidence / result
AI integrated into mechatronics practice
machine learningdeep learningPython / MATLABembedded AI
View system
P292024-2026

Deep Learning Cycling Posture and Sports Computer Vision

Problem
Sports posture and movement assessment can be costly or difficult to scale when it depends on specialized equipment or manual observation.
Solution
A computer-vision and deep-learning workflow for analysing cycling posture and movement patterns from visual data.
Evidence / result
90% reported cost reduction
deep learningcomputer visionposture analysissports analytics
View system
P142025-2026

NVIDIA Digital Twins, Simulation and Physical AI

Problem
Engineering education and prototype development needed a shared simulation-to-embedded stack for robotics, digital twins and AI-enabled systems.
Solution
Deployment of NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim and Jetson across simulation, workshops, supervised projects and collaboration as the first official NVIDIA University Ambassador in Ecuador.
Evidence / result
3 NVIDIA platforms deployed
OmniverseIsaac SimJetsondigital twins
View system
P152020-Present

Smart Realities: Spatial Computing and Connected Systems

Problem
Emerging-technology concepts often fail to connect interactive software, physical hardware, learning content and a practical delivery strategy.
Solution
An independent R&D initiative integrating sensors, embedded systems, data processing, spatial interfaces and web-based engineering applications.
Evidence / result
4 cross-functional teams led
XR/ARIoTembedded systemsweb systems
View system
P162020-Present

NanoXR: Nanoscale Spatial Computing Initiative

Problem
Nanoscale structures and multiphysics relationships are difficult to communicate through flat diagrams alone.
Solution
NanoXR applies spatial-computing and AR/XR capability to interactive nanotechnology visualization and engineering communication.
Evidence / result
Cross-disciplinary R&D direction
NanoXRXR/ARscientific visualizationtechnology transfer
View system
P252020-Present

AR-Enabled Educational Publication

Problem
Static educational publishing offers limited interaction for explaining spatial or technical ideas.
Solution
A bilingual publication augmented with interactive digital content and an end-to-end production workflow.
Evidence / result
50% reported cost reduction
augmented realitypublishinginteraction designdelivery
View system
Open Computing, AI & Digital Systems

R&D Area 04

Advanced Mechatronics Engineering

Mechatronics engineering focused on full-stack software-hardware integration: mechanical and electronic design, embedded control, robotics, instrumentation hardware, prototypes and deployment.

COMPUTATIONAL VALIDATION LOOPEngineering & Mechatronics
01PHYSICAL QUESTIONrequirements / mechanisms / scales
02MODELRVE / RNM / DEM / FEM / FEA
03SOLVECST / HFSS / COMSOL / ANSYS / Abaqus
04VALIDATERF / mechanical / electrical experiments
05REFINEPython / MATLAB / sensitivity analysis
06ENGINEERprototype / instrument / deployment

Models are tested against experiments and returned to engineering decisions.

P122018-2019

Oil-Tank Fire-System Architecture

Problem
Oil-storage fire protection requires coordinated engineering across hazard definition, physical behaviour, mechanical layout and system response.
Solution
A complete engineering architecture developed at MSc level to connect requirements, physical modelling and integrated safety subsystems.
Evidence / result
Integrated safety architecture
system architectureANSYS CFDSolidWorkssafety engineering
View system
P282024-2026

Sand-Walking Robotic Turtle Prototype

Problem
Loose granular terrain creates mobility challenges for small robots because traction, body support and gait coordination change with the substrate.
Solution
A sand-walking robotic turtle concept/prototype using bio-inspired locomotion, mechanical linkage design, embedded control and terrain-oriented testing.
Evidence / result
Advanced mechatronics project record
bio-inspired roboticsmechanical designembedded controlterrain mobility
View system
P172016-2018

Electromechanical Commissioning Across 23 Installations

Problem
Elevator installations required reliable commissioning, fault isolation and configuration across interconnected mechanical, power, control and sensing subsystems.
Solution
A structured field-engineering workflow for commissioning, troubleshooting, manufacturer-specification configuration and maintenance optimization.
Evidence / result
23 installations commissioned
commissioningmotor drivescontrollersfield service
View system
Open Engineering & Mechatronics

R&D Area 05

Industrial Engineering & Field Delivery

Field engineering evidence across commissioning, troubleshooting, client delivery, manufacturing and operational improvement.

FIELD ENGINEERING DELIVERYIndustry & Field Delivery
01FIELD NEEDsafety / reliability / throughput
02ENGINEERINGrequirements / design / feasibility
03INTEGRATIONmechanical / electrical / control
04COMMISSIONconfiguration / testing / troubleshooting
05IMPROVEperformance / response / cost

A traceable path from operational need to deployed system performance.

P182016-2018

Remote Monitoring for Elevator Service Response

Problem
Emergency elevator faults were difficult to diagnose quickly without remote visibility into system condition.
Solution
Doppler remote-monitoring integration combined with a more efficient troubleshooting and service workflow.
Evidence / result
up to 70% reported emergency-response reduction
remote monitoringembedded systemsfault response
View system
P192020

Engineering Project Delivery at PetroEcuador

Problem
Engineering initiatives required stronger definition, feasibility control, coordination and documentation across project phases.
Solution
A PMI-aligned delivery process connecting initiation, planning, pre-feasibility, feasibility and engineering documentation.
Evidence / result
30% reported workflow improvement
PMIfeasibilityengineering coordinationcost optimization
View system
P202014-2015

Mobile Robotic Manufacturing Transport System

Problem
Manufacturing material movement created process inefficiency, waste and avoidable operational cost.
Solution
A purpose-built mobile robotic transport platform integrating the complete mechanical, electrical, sensing and control system.
Evidence / result
approximately 10% reported waste and cost improvement
mobile roboticsSolidWorksembedded controlmanufacturing
View system
P262014-2026

Telecommunications Network Implementation

Problem
Telecommunications systems require disciplined implementation, configuration and verification before they can support dependable users and operations.
Solution
A field-delivery approach connecting requirements, installation, configuration, testing, documentation and customer support.
Evidence / result
Operational technical delivery
telecommunicationsimplementationtestingtechnical service
View system
Open Industry & Field Delivery

R&D Area 06

Leadership, Education & Technology Transfer

Technical leadership that moves research capability into teams, laboratories, curricula, project-management systems, workshops and international engineering communities.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SYSTEMLeadership & Transfer
01RESEARCHscience / engineering / emerging technology
02LABORATORYtools / experiments / simulation platforms
03CURRICULUMABET outcomes / project-based learning
04TEAMSmentoring / hybrid delivery / supervision
05DISSEMINATIONworkshops / talks / conferences
06IMPACTindustry collaboration / validated projects

Research capability is transferred through laboratories, teams, curricula and industry links.

P132024-2026

Multidisciplinary Mechatronics Project Development

Problem
Multidisciplinary student engineering requires a repeatable path from requirements and models to working prototypes and defensible validation.
Solution
A hybrid project-development framework combining conventional engineering control, Agile practices, technical gates and ABET-aligned outcomes.
Evidence / result
35 multidisciplinary projects coordinated
hybrid deliveryABETprototypingtechnical supervision
View system
P212025-2026

Telecommunications Programme and Laboratory Modernization

Problem
Telecommunications education needed stronger alignment between modern RF systems, embedded technologies, computational engineering and industry outcomes.
Solution
A programme-modernization effort integrating curriculum, ABET-aligned outcomes, communications laboratories, student research and external collaboration.
Evidence / result
approximately 70% reported anechoic-panel cost reduction
telecommunicationsABETlaboratoriesindustry partnership
View system
Open Leadership & Transfer

Scientific Record

Publications

Peer-reviewed and accepted work linked directly to the research systems it supports.

2022PublishedMaterials Today: Proceedings, 52, 199-205

Effect of CNT Additives on the Electrical Properties of Derived Nanocomposites: Experimental and Numerical Investigation

Experimental validation of resistor-network and finite-element models for conductivity and electrical percolation.

2022PublishedMaterials Today: Proceedings, 57, 607-614

Experimental and Modelling of Temperature-Dependent Mechanical Properties of CNT/Polymer Nanocomposites

Temperature-dependent RVE and FEA models validated against dynamic mechanical analysis.

2023PublishedApplied Mechanics, 4(3), 974-989

Analysis of Acid Diffusion Effects on Physical Properties of Polymer Composites: A Combined Study of Mechanical and Electrical Characterization

Mechanical and electromagnetic characterization linked material degradation with wireless-SHM potential.

Technical Transfer

Experience and Leadership

Coordination, teaching, international communication and delivery across research, education and industry.

May 2025-July 2026

Telecommunications Coordinator

UIDE, Ecuador

August 2024-July 2026

Research Coordinator and Lecturer of Mechatronics Engineering

UIDE, Ecuador

July 2025-July 2026

NVIDIA University Ambassador

NVIDIA Academic Programme, USA / Ecuador

2025-Present

Vice Chair, AAAI Official Ecuador Chapter

AAAI Official Ecuador Chapter

Open Technical Profile