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Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering and M.Sc. student in Computer Science at USC. Research focus on vision-language-action models, robotic task planning, and agentic AI.

Basics

Name Ardalan Aryashad
Label Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering & M.Sc. Student in Computer Science
Email aryashad@usc.edu
Phone (213) 551-5016
Url https://ardal-on.github.io
Summary Ph.D. student at the USC IMPACT Lab working on vision-language-action models, robotic task planning, and agentic AI for model-based systems engineering.

Education

  • 2026.01 - Present

    Los Angeles, CA

    M.Sc.
    University of Southern California
    Computer Science
  • 2023.08 - Present

    Los Angeles, CA

    Ph.D.
    University of Southern California
    Mechanical Engineering
    • Vision-Language-Action Models
    • Robotic Task Planning
    • Agentic AI for MBSE
  • 2018.09 - 2023.08

    Tehran, Iran

    B.Sc.
    Sharif University of Technology
    Mechanical Engineering

Work

  • 2023.08 - Present
    Research Assistant
    IMPACT Laboratory, University of Southern California
    Research on vision-language-action models and agentic AI for mechanical systems engineering.
    • Developed a graph-based planning framework (VLAG) for VLA models in long-horizon manipulation tasks.
    • Trained a CLIP-based vision model achieving 95% accuracy on environmental key state prediction.
    • Fine-tuned a sentence transformer model reaching 98% instruction-to-task matching accuracy.
    • Trained a Transformer-based action model validated on the CALVIN dataset.
    • Designed single and multi-agent workflows for MBSE modeler tasks.
    • Created a Visual Paradigm plugin to auto-generate SysML diagrams using a custom LLM agent.
    • Implemented a text extraction pipeline integrated into a RAG system for an AI agent.
  • 2022.08 - 2023.06
    Research Assistant
    Micro-Nano Systems Lab, Sharif University of Technology
    Control system design for a PCR microsystem.
    • Conducted system identification experiments on a PCR microsystem.
    • Designed a 2-DOF PID controller reducing settling time by 17% and eliminating overshoot.
    • Trained a neural network predictive model and implemented it in MPC.
    • Executed MPC on a Raspberry Pi using MATLAB/Simulink.
  • 2021.09 - 2022.06
    Research Assistant
    Experimental Solid Mechanics and Manufacturing Lab, Sharif University of Technology
    Pipe material selection and surge pressure simulation.
    • Reviewed literature on essential parameters for pipe material selection in water networks.
    • Conducted surveys and interviews with design engineers to rank design parameters.
    • Simulated surge pressure phenomena using FEM in Iranian PE pipes.
  • 2021.06 - 2021.08
    Student Intern
    Automotive Industries Research & Innovation Center of SAIPA (AIRIC)
    Regenerative braking simulation and analysis.
    • Researched and simulated regenerative braking performance for Saipa Shahin.
    • Developed a script to convert Google Maps data into simulation-compatible road profiles.
    • Simulated regenerative braking across multiple real-world routes.
  • 2020.06 - 2020.08
    Student Intern
    Industrial Saipa Heavy Dies Manufacturing
    Maintenance department support and process automation.
    • Developed an Excel-based preventive maintenance schedule.
    • Built a web-based maintenance request system to improve department workflow.

Volunteer

  • 2024.01 - Present
    Mentor
    IMPACT Laboratory, University of Southern California
    Mentoring students on RAG modules, hyperparameter optimization for robotic manipulation, and dataset collection.
  • 2024.01 - Present
    Peer Reviewer
    IDETC-CIE, WACV, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing
    Reviewing manuscripts in robotics, computer vision, and mechanical engineering.
  • 2020.09 - 2023.06
    Teaching Assistant
    Mechanical Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology
    Applied Finite Element, Control Design, Mechanical Design, Embedded Systems, Dynamics, and Statics courses.

Awards

Publications

Skills

Software
Matlab
Simulink
Simscape
SolidWorks
Abaqus
NX
Ansys
Proteus
Cursor
Programming Languages & Tools
Python
PyTorch
MuJoCo
PyBullet
lerobot
C/C++
Linux
Git
AWS
Slurm
Prototyping & Hardware
Arduino
Raspberry Pi
3D Printing
Lathe
Soldering
Serial Communication
Servo/Stepper Motor Control

Languages

Persian
Native speaker
English
Fluent

Interests

Research
Vision-Language-Action Models
Robotic Task Planning
Agentic AI
Model-Based Systems Engineering
Mechanical Design Automation

References

Prof. Yan Jin
Advisor, IMPACT Laboratory, University of Southern California. Available upon request.

Projects

  • 2024.01 - 2025.01
    VLAG
    Graph-based planning framework for vision-language-action models in long-horizon robotic manipulation.
    • IDETC/CIE 2025
    • USC IMPACT Lab
  • 2023.01 - 2024.01
    Fog Removal Benchmark
    Benchmark pipeline evaluating defogging methods on downstream object detection and segmentation tasks.
    • WACV 2026 Workshop
    • 54 pipelines evaluated
  • 2024.01 - Present
    SEMAA
    Single and multi-agent assistant workflows for mechanical systems engineering and MBSE modeler tasks.
    • USC IMPACT Lab
    • semaa.site
  • 2023.08 - 2024.06
    USC Formula Student Racing
    Suspension design and DAQ system for USC's FSAE competition entry. Top 10 Design Finals at FSAE Michigan 2024.
    • Top 10 Design FSAE Michigan 2024
    • Suspension optimization
    • Raspberry Pi NAS for MoTeC ECU logs