MrChris Larkin

Electrical & Electronics Engineer

Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment/Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation

  • Electrical & Electronics Engineer
    Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment/Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation
  • Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216

BIO

Electrical & Electronics Engineer | Developer | Fabricator

Chris Larkin is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer by qualification with a career focused on robotics, embedded systems, and mechanical design. He combines a strong academic foundation with practical, hands-on experience in software development, electronics, fabrication, and prototyping, enabling him to deliver solutions that span the entire product lifecycle.

Areas of Expertise

  • Robotics & Automation – Development of autonomous platforms and mechatronic systems, including ROS 2 navigation stacks, manipulators, high-G rigs, and industrial cleaning robots.
  • Embedded Systems & Electronics – Design and production of custom PCBs, firmware development for STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and integration of CAN-based motor drivers and sensors.
  • Mechanical Design & Fabrication – Skilled in CAD/CAM, CNC machining (lathe, mill, 4-axis), welding, fabrication, and assembly of working prototypes and production hardware.
  • Software Development – Experienced in Python, C/C++, and C#, with a focus on control systems, simulation, data logging, and IoT dashboards using MQTT and SQL.
  • Product Development – Designed, developed, and sold pellet extruders for 3D printers, combining mechanical, electronic, and user-focused design.
  • Reverse Engineering – Application of 3D scanning and CAD to recreate, adapt, and improve parts for manufacturing and upgrades.
  • Technical Communication – Produced animated marketing pieces for expo events, translating complex technical systems into accessible, engaging content.

Professional Background

Chris has worked with multiple successful startups and industry partners, contributing to projects that required innovation, cross-disciplinary skills, and practical execution. He has fabricated and welded robotic frames, developed embedded electronics, written control software, and built cloud dashboards for real-time monitoring.

By bridging mechanical, electronic, and software disciplines, Chris ensures projects are cohesive, manufacturable, and field-ready. This integrated approach has been central to his contributions in robotics, IoT systems, and product development.

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY CURRENT APPOINTMENT

  • Electrical & Electronics Engineer
    Deakin University, Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation

AREA/FACULTY

  • Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL/INSTITUTE/DISCIPLINE

  • Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation