Saurabh Palande

I am a graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing my Professional Master’s degree in Robotics (M. Eng. Robotics) and expecting to graduate by May 2023. My expertise lies in Computer Vision, Autonomous navigation, Robotic Manipulators, and Industrial Automation

Education

  • Master of Engineering in Robotics

    University of Maryland, College Park

    May 2023

  • Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering

    VNIT, India

    May 2019

Work Experience

Robotics Software Engineer (Computer Vision)

Temple Allen Industries, Rockville, MD

June 2023 - Present

  • Created and integrated custom CUDA kernel functions to significantly boost vision pipeline performance, achieving substantial improvements in real-time processing and operational efficiency.
  • Implemented and optimized custom algorithms for the Robot Body Filter and Proximity Detection System, enhancing the robot’s ability to isolate itself from camera views and navigate safely.
  • Leveraged xacros and macros to create adaptable URDF models, enhancing robot configuration flexibility and accelerating development cycles.
  • Investigated and worked with various RGBD cameras and depth sensing technologies(Stereo, IR, ToF), selecting optimal solutions to improve the robot’s environmental understanding and interaction capabilities.

Robotics Engineer Intern

Kick Robotics, College Park, MD

September 2022 - May 2023

  • Developed a python script for parsing raw GPS data and converting it to ROS2 message format.
  • Refined state estimation of the robot by fusing GPS data with IMU and odometry and improved loop-closure accuracy using the robot localization package in ROS2. Successfully deployed and tested the same on a real robot.

Robotics/Machine Learning Intern

Soterya, Inc, Boston, MA

June 2022 - Aug 2022

  • Developed a smart robotic mattress to decrease the risk of SUDEP-major cause of death in young epilepsy patients.
  • Implemented Human pose detection algorithm using Machine Learning to detect the prone position from the heatmap generated from the pressure sensors to reposition a patient into a recovery position.

Research Assistant

Gamma Lab - University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Feb 2022 - May 2022

  • Built packages in ROS2 for the localization (sensor fusion and state estimation), motion planning, and navigation of an autonomous indoor delivery robot while working as a Research Assistant in Prof. Dinesh Manocha’s lab.
  • Created training environments to simulate intelligent pedestrians in Gazebo to match the real-world scenario in a crowded indoor place. Designed CAD models in SolidWorks and 3D printed the parts for the robot.

Computer Vision Intern

Shyena Tech Yarns, Pune, India

March 2021 - June 2021

  • Researched and implemented deep learning models used for Human Activity Recognition (HAR) and 3D object classification, segmentation, and detection on point cloud data generated by LiDar sensor.
  • Developed an automated machine learning pipeline for 3D object classification and segmentation.