I began my academic journey with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from BITS Pilani. While my foundation is in mechanics, I quickly realized that the future of engineering lay at the intersection of hardware and software. This curiosity led me to renowned institutions like Paytm and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development, India (MBRDI). At MBRDI, I collaborated with the Noise, Vibrations, and Harshness (NVH) Team, where I built a diagnostic tool using AI and audio fingerprinting to analyze vehicle acoustics—my first major step into applying AI to physical systems.
During the pandemic, I co-founded Carca, a platform designed to counter misinformation and foster meaningful discussions during a time of global uncertainty. While the venture started small, it taught me invaluable lessons in product management, user empathy, and the startup ecosystem. Interacting with potential investors and users from varied fields helped me view technology not just as code, but as a solution to human problems.
Subsequently, my journey led me to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where I immersed myself in an in-depth exploration of robotics. My studies encompassed a diverse spectrum of domains, including Robotic Vision, Controls, SLAM, Planning, and more. My portfolio featured noteworthy projects such as a cooking assistant robot, an attention-based video colorization AI, a vision system to prevent over-height vehicle crashes, and more. A standout accomplishment was my involvement in the SafeForest project, a research endeavor conducted at CMU's Field Robotics Center. This project aimed to develop robotic systems for preventing wildland and wildland-urban interface fires. My specific contribution involved ground traversability estimation for Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) navigation, leveraging point cloud data collected via Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This research was presented at the prestigious ICRA 2022 Workshop. I collaborated with Neocis, a dental surgery robotics company. Here, I formulated an algorithm for the automatic detection of implants in CBCT point cloud data. Additionally, I worked on the critical task of ensuring singularity avoidance for a 6 DOF robot arm. For a more comprehensive insight into my experiences and achievements, please refer to my resume.
Currently, I am a Robotics Software Engineer at Fox Robotics (acquired by Symbiotic) in Austin, Texas. Here, I focus on the complex challenges of perception and autonomy for autonomous forklift robots, deploying algorithms that help robots make safe, intelligent decisions in dynamic warehouse environments. In a field as complex as robotics, I believe specialized silos can limit innovation. I view myself as a T-shaped engineer—possessing deep expertise in perception and deep learning, supported by a broad understanding of mechanics, electronics, and product strategy. My background in mechanical engineering allows me to understand the physical constraints of the robots I program, while my software expertise allows me to push their capabilities.
I love to explore new things and learn about new topics in history, politics, technology, etc. I’ve recently traded the soccer field for the climbing wall and have been bouldering for about a year. When I'm not climbing or playing badminton, you can find me experimenting in the kitchen, gaming, or working on my photrography skills. Artistically, I am nowhere close to being a refined writer or a photographer, but I'd be happy for you to check some of my photographs and my blog.