Challenging what-ifs
one task at a time.

About

Mission-driven Roboticist with a passion for product development, software, and controls.

"What-if.." is something that drives me to test my limits at all fronts, and then formulate a data-driven plan, execute it and achieve it. I honestly believe history belongs to the doers and I wouldn’t have been where I have if I just stopped at the “what ifs..”.

As a Roboticist i want to tap into the consumer market of developing countries and build products that can solve the core problems (education, financial inclusion, infrastructure, health & basic human rights) that are still rooted in the ecosystem.

Current FocusProduct Management //  Software //  Controls

Experience

Robotics Deployment Engineer

Bear Robotics is one of the leading companies in our field while carrying out our mission to transform the future of work in the hospitality industry by automating repetitive tasks and helping people provide outstanding service

Role
  • Evaluate operational performance and recommend improvements if needed.
  • Write test proposals for sufficient test coverage.
  • Conduct the product tests to predict performance or maintenance issues.
  • Identify failures and develop efficient solutions to minimize the failure rate.
  • Perform product verification and validation tests before delivery.
Oct 2021 - Present | Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Graduate Researcher

The primary goal of the Advanced Control Systems Lab (ACSL) is to perform research on advanced topics in modern control theory, such as nonlinear robust control, optimal control theory, and nonlinear estimation. Our theoretical results are tested by designing control systems for autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and lightweight robots.

Role
  • Implemented a passivity based adaptive controller for 5-DOF robotic arm in MATLAB.
  • Conducted simulation tests to deduce a 59.2% computationally faster way of capturing parametric uncertainties.
  • Derived equations of motion to capture parametric uncertainties in 2-DOF, 3-DOF, and 5-DOF robotic arm.
Aug 2020 - May 2021 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Founder and Host

“The International Voice” is a platform where Japnit Sethi brings raw unedited conversations with some of the brightest International tech minds of our generation in a video podcast format, focused on their entire journey to success 🌎.

Role
  • Created a social platform to share raw journey of 12+ International Tech Leaders with varied domain expertise.
  • Tested social media channels like LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube resulting in 100x follower growth in 3 months.
June 2020 - Present | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Systems Engineering Intern

TMEIC drives industry around the world through a comprehensive offering of unique systems solutions including variable frequency drives, motors, photovoltaic inverters and advanced automation systems for a wide range of industrial applications.

Role
  • Created a complete functional document on Rubber Tyred Gantry's to reduce on boarding time for 44% of TMEIC employees.
  • Commented and provided an algorithmic structure to the C++ source code of EGD networking protocol.
May 2020 - Aug 2020 | Roanoke, Virginia, USA
Graduate Research Assistant

Autonomous Systems and Controls lab and the SATLP (Small Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Towing Large Payload) project is led by Dr. Daniel Stilwell.

Role
  • Optimized AUV's MIMO state-space model for improved prediction of pitch and yaw axis data using Matlab.
  • Operated AUV in Linux Kernel using ROS commands.
  • Assembled AUV from scratch for 5 field trials.
  • Updated 3D CAD models in SolidWorks for fins and encasing of servo motors and battery.
  • Conducted actuator, fins, and AHRS (attitude and heading reference system) calibration of the AUV.
July 2019 - Dec 2019 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Systems Engineer & Financial Handler

AgBot, a Senior Design Team led by Dr. Alexander Leonessa competed in the 4th Annual AgBot challenge hosted by Purdue Agriculture and Gerrish Farms between May 16th - 18th, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Role
  • Won first place in AgBot Mining for Microbes and Micro-fauna competition against 20 international teams.
  • Designed 15+ CAD models with explosion drawings and assembly animations in Siemens NX.
  • Led storage and filtration sub-team from ideation to completion using custom verification and validation plans.
  • Secured $4800 in departmental funding & saved 23% by using off the shelf items and in house servo motors.
  • Participated in 2 major semester presentations representing the Agbot Team.
Aug 2018 - May 2019 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Summer UG Researcher

Lowe's Exoskeleton suit is a project that has been covered by CNN, the Verge, and The Washington Post among others and led by Dr. Alan Asbeck at Assistive Robotics Laboratory, Virginia Tech.

Role
  • Created 3D CAD models of 15 components for Soft goods and Upper frame in Siemens NX.
  • Machined over 20 individual components using sheet metal bender, cutter, and punch hole.
  • Constructed 8 tube bending prototypes for 3 subjects to support objectives of comfort and strength.
  • Assembled entire Exo suit with the team in a span of 3 days for summer review and field testing.
May 2018 - Aug 2018 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Research Volunteer

The Project is Prosthetic Hand, led by Dr. Alexander Leonessa at Terrestrial Robotics Engineering and Controls Lab, Virginia Tech.

Role
  • Modified open-source 3D CAD models and assembly in compliance with the metric system.
  • 3D printed 6 components of finger subsection to analyze the amount of traction involved between moving parts.
  • Created simulation of finger subsection with 2 revolute joints on Simulink using Simscape Multibody package.
  • Studied the adaptive synergies and mechanics of a robotic hand.
Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Summer Intern

VVF LLC is a major global oleochemical manufacturer and supplier of products to the Personal Care Industry.

Role
  • Completed directional flow analysis of 15 pumps in the Reactor, Railyard and Pump House areas.
  • Improved soap packaging efficiency by 18.5 % by Troubleshooting problems with the billet diverter, press, cartoner, and the bander.
  • Inspected electrical problems in the Deodrant manufacturing area to keep the line running at 95% capacity.
  • Learned basic Allen Bradley PLC programming for machines in the Plant.
  • Learned the basic operational setup and functional sequence of Injection Molding Machines, billet diverter, filler, labeler, press cartoner, pester, and bander.
May 2016 - Aug 2016 | Kansas City, Kansas, USA

Portfolio

Leadership

GLC Fellow

The GLC Fellows serve all graduate students in various areas of graduate student life. They also work specifically with the GLC residents to enhance their living and learning experience on campus. Therefore, while some responsibilities of this position resemble the traditional RA role, the GLC Fellow position is redefined and expanded with a focus on supporting the entire graduate student population enrolled in Blacksburg. This position is funded and supervised through the combined resources and efforts of Housing and Residence Life and the GraduateSchool.

Role
  • Serve as a first-responder to issues and crisis as they arise in the residential space.
  • Build positive relationships with graduate students and invest in the lives of fellow residents through programming, day-to-day interactions, and regular room visits.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable resource for graduate students with inquiries about offices on campus.
  • Perform administrative duties as assigned (roster verification, health & safety checks, etc.).
Aug 2020 - May 2021 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Board Member

The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) represents the needs and interests of the international student community at Virginia Tech by providing a forum for international students to give constructive feedback on initiatives, programs, policies, and services that impact international students.

Role
  • Attending all ISAB meetings during Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Completing ISAB projects that may require time outside of meetings.
Aug 2019 - May 2020 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Resident Advisor
Role
  • Selected from a competitive pool of 200 students to serve in the role of Residential Advisor.
  • Developed social and educational programs for nearly 200 student-athletes and international residents.
  • Participated in duty rotation around buildings 3 times per month.
  • Chaired interviews during staff selection and recruitment process of future Residential Advisors.
  • Understood and enforced all University and residence hall rules, regulations and policies.
  • Served as a liaison between residents and the student affairs administration.
Jan 2017 - May 2019 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Orientation Leader

First-Year Orientation Leaders (OLs) welcome and introduce all new students and Hokie Families to campus and its resources during First-Year Orientation (FYO).

Role
  • Only International student to be selected as an Orientation Leader from a pool of over 100 applicants to guide incoming Class of 2021.
  • Led 280 incoming Hokies, each spread across a variety of majors.
  • Educated about the Virginia Tech facilities and resources through 14 sessions across the whole campus.
  • Answered parents and students’ questions regarding policies and procedures through resource presentations.
  • Developed strong bonds between students through ice breakers and leisure activities.
June 2017 - Aug 2017 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Global Ambassador

The Global Ambassadors program is an exciting and engaging leadership development program designed to develop global leadership skills.

Role
  • Led a group of 25 international students of 18 nationalities around campus during Orientation.
  • Supported international students in their transition to life as a foreign student in America.
  • Assisted in document check-in for new international students.
  • Engaged in meaningful interactions with the students and community throughout the academic year.
Jan 2016 - May 2017 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Junior Analyst: UHN (Heating Oil)

Commodity Investing by Students (COINS) is the nation’s only student-run commodity trading group diversified in futures-based ETFs, ETNs, and covered call options.

Role
  • Assisted in investing up to $1M on behalf of the Virginia Tech Foundation.
  • Made buy and sell trade recommendations using strong technical and fundamental analysis, regression analysis, and critical thinking skills garnered during targeted training and real-world trading experience.
Feb 2016 - May 2017 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Event Manager

The Virginia Tech- Indian Students Association (ISA), is an international student organization which furthers the interaction between the Indian students, members of the Indian community in Blacksburg and South-West Virginia with the spirit of Virginia Tech.

Role
  • Only undergraduate freshman to be part of the core committee of the Indian Students association.
  • Led a group of 4 Indian students representing ISA in the annual Big Event of Virginia Tech.
  • Managed the backstage activities of 3 events celebrating Indian festivals of Diwali, Holi and Republic day.
  • Answered incoming Indian undergraduate students social and technical questions regarding life at Virginia tech.
Sep 2015 - May 2017 | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

Skills

Programming

C++C++
PythonPython
MatlabMatlab

Softwares

ROSROS
SolidWorksSolidWorks
Siemens NXSiemens NX
ANSYSANSYS
KiCadKiCad

Version Control

GitHubGithub
GitGit

Certificates

Certified Solidworks Associate

Dassault Systèmes | License C-RJGNHPUAC9 | June 2019

  • Used Solidworks CAD features to solve three hour long proctored exam.

Engineer In Training

NCEES | License 0420072322 | July 2019

  • Passed the NCEES six-hour Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination.
  • Completed a minimum of three years of post-secondary school at an ABET-accredited engineering program.

C++ for Beginners

Udemy | License UC-fac74e13 | March 2020

Advanced C++

Udemy | License UC-4709f761 | April 2020

Awards & Recognition

International Student Speaker '19

Class of 2019 | Virginia Tech | May 2019

2020 Aspirations Fellow

2020 Cohort | Virginia Tech | May 2020

Education

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia, USA | 2019-2021

  • MSc in Computer Engineering
  • Focus Area : Software, Controls and Machine Intelligence

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia, USA | 2015-2019

  • BSc in Mechanical Engineering

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