About
Hunmin Koh is a highly creative engineer and designer with a proven track record in leading innovative projects that blend technology and design. His diverse experience spans from developing cutting-edge air mobility solutions to creating portable medical devices and advanced manufacturing processes. With a strong foundation in both mechanical engineering and computational design, Hunmin has consistently demonstrated his ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver impactful results across a range of industries.
Hunmin's expertise spans from designing and prototyping advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft to developing portable medical devices for space health. His work on the Plana Eclipse, a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, showcases his ability to lead large-scale projects, from constructing fabrication facilities to overseeing the development of carbon fiber composite airframes. Simultaneously, his role in creating QuickSee Nano, a portable autorefractor for NASA's space health program, highlights his skill in miniaturizing complex systems without compromising accuracy or functionality.
Hunmin is deeply committed to solving global challenges, as demonstrated by his involvement in humanitarian projects. His work in Amman, Jordan, where he developed modular prosthetic hands for Syrian refugees, reflects his dedication to using technology to improve lives. Additionally, his collaboration with Professor Mark Goulthorpe on the Carbon House project at MIT underscores his passion for sustainable design, aiming to reduce carbon footprints in the construction industry through innovative material processing.
As a pioneer in Korea’s makerspace movement, Hunmin founded the country’s first Fab Lab, sparking innovation in open-source hardware and prosthetic design. His leadership in these initiatives, combined with his ability to innovate across multiple domains, positions him as a significant contributor to the ongoing evolution of technology and design.
EDUCATION
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Master of Science in Architecture Studies with a concentration on Computational Design
Jun 2018
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
Bachelor of Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Jan 2009
WORK EXPERIENCE
Lead Hardware Engineer, GoLe Robotics, Seoul, Korea
• Developing of autonomous construction robots for use in delivering construction materials
June 2024 - Current
Fabrication and Structures Engineer, PLANA, Yongin, Korea
• Led construction of 10,000 sqft aircraft fabrication facility for PLANA’s miniscale (⅕, 3m wingspan) aircraft
• Designed and fabricated carbon fiber composite airframes and assembly jigs and of the demonstrator aircraft
• Led design and construction of three true-scale mockup wood cabins for the user experience trials and
implemented FAA’s certification requirements in the design
Jan 2022 - Oct 2023
Head of Digital Innovation, Chungnam Innovation Center, Cheonan, Korea
• Masterminded creative social outreach programs and media campaign to raise public awareness on mobilities of
handicapped citizens and plastic pollution problem for ChungNam Provincial Government
Nov 2020 - Dec 2021
Product Design & Research Engineer, PlenOptika, Boston, MA
• Led mechanical design and prototyping of the next-generation lightweight autorefractor (QuickSee Nano)
under NASA research grant to study eye accommodation under a microgravity environment
• Implemented DFM and streamlined assembly process of QuickSee Nano for batch production for clinical trial
• Enhanced patient experience by redesigning the components of flagship product (QuickSee) to be 17% lighter
• Designed and prototyped an actuated tunable lens system for rapid astigmatism correction
• Supervised the manufacturing process in India to implement design changes and regulatory requirements
• Improved quality assurance process and created guidelines for troubleshooting mechanical failures
Jul 2018 - Jul 2020
Makerspace Founder / Fab Lab Specialist, Seoul, Korea
• Founded the first Fab Lab in Korea and implemented operational strategy for its sustainable operation
• Designed and fabricated open source hardware projects commissioned by the National Science Museum of Korea
• Led construction of 10,000 sqft Makerspace and its program organization for DRB International’s social
outreach / internal innovation program
• Coordinated DRB’s CSR project in Amman, Jordan to support 3D printed prosthetic production for Syrian refugees
• Developed a novel modular prosthetic hand design for partial-hand and finger amputation
• Orchestrated the first 7-axis robotic milling fabrication project for Seoul Museum of Art withDavid Quayola,
an award-winning interactive artist
Aug 2012 - Aug 2015