Ahilesh Vadivel

Robotics Engineer | Dynamic Locomotion Specialist
Bridging classical control theory with modern learning-based approaches to enable intelligent, dynamic movement in autonomous systems. Passionate about humanoids, quadrupeds, and the future of mobile manipulation.
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About Me

I'm a robotics engineer completing my Master's in Robotics (ECE concentration) at Northeastern University, graduating April 2026. My journey began with a childhood fascination for how machines move, evolved through strategic foundation-building in Electronics & Communication Engineering at Anna University, and has culminated in specialized expertise in dynamic locomotion and autonomous systems.

What drives me is the challenge of making robots move intelligently through complex environments—whether it's a humanoid navigating urban spaces or a quadruped adapting its gait to rough terrain. I'm particularly excited about the intersection of classical control theory and reinforcement learning, where mathematical rigor meets adaptive intelligence.

Currently seeking: Full-time opportunities in dynamic locomotion, legged robotics, autonomous navigation, and mobile manipulation, starting May 2026. Open to roles across the robotics stack—from controls and planning to perception and integration.

My Journey

2018

The Beginning: Gesture-Controlled Robot

Built my first gesture-controlled robot in high school, sparking a lifelong passion for human-robot interaction and intelligent movement. This early project taught me the fundamentals of sensor integration and real-time control.

2020-2024

Foundation Building: B.E. in Electronics & Communication

Strategic decision to master electronics fundamentals at Anna University's College of Engineering Guindy. Completed projects ranging from agricultural monitoring rovers to continuum robots, each building toward robotics applications. Developed strong embedded systems expertise and hardware-software integration skills.

Summer 2022

Research Discovery: CSIR Internship

Research internship at CSIR Central Scientific Instruments Organisation developing portable vaccine storage systems. Experienced real research methodology and discovered passion for systematic problem-solving through sensor fusion and control optimization. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing graduate research.

2023-2024

Integration Mastery: Vision-Based CNC Capstone

Led development of vision-based CNC pick-and-place system with machine learning. Integrated computer vision (CNNs, template matching), G-code programming, and Raspberry Pi control. First complete demonstration of perception-action integration and published as bachelor's thesis.

2024-Present

Specialization: M.S. in Robotics at Northeastern

Systematic exploration through 9 graduate courses: Robot Sensing & Navigation, Mobile Robotics, Robot Mechanics & Controls, Legged Robotics, Reinforcement Learning, Verifiable ML, and more. Discovered passion for dynamic locomotion where classical control meets learning-based approaches. Published research on soft robotics manipulation and completed multiple navigation/localization projects.

Jan 2025-Present

Research Experience: PARSES Lab Graduate RA

Working on soft robotics origami arms and in-hand manipulation. Contributing to published research on 4-DoF soft origami robot arm. Developed ROS2 architectures for multi-sensor coordination and proof-of-concept manipulation protocols. This experience clarified my preference for rigid-body dynamic systems over soft robotics.

April 2026

Next Chapter: Full-Time Robotics Engineer

Graduating with specialized expertise in dynamic locomotion, navigation, and learning-based control. Seeking opportunities to contribute to the next generation of legged robots and autonomous systems. Ready to tackle challenges in humanoid robotics, quadruped locomotion, or mobile manipulation.

Featured Projects

Vision-Based CNC with ML
Vision-Based Pick-and-Place CNC Robot
Computer Vision CNN G-code Raspberry Pi

Capstone project integrating ML-based object recognition with CNC control. Implemented contour detection, edge detection, and template matching algorithms. Trained CNNs for adaptive object classification enabling dynamic pick-and-place operations. Published as undergraduate thesis.

Key Achievement: Fully automated system with real-time object localization

Multi-Robot Coordination
Synchronization of Two Mobile Robots
ROS SLAM AMCL Multi-Agent

Implemented autonomous navigation for two TurtleBot3 robots with collaborative mapping. Integrated SLAM with AMCL localization and developed map merging system for unified environment representation. Achieved efficient multi-robot exploration with real-time visualization in RViz.

Key Achievement: Successful multi-robot SLAM coordination

Mobile Robot Localization
Coarse-to-Fine Localization with FSSM
Localization SVM Scan Matching Place Learning

Re-implemented research paper on Fast Spectral Scan Matching for global localization. Combined SVM-based place recognition with particle filtering for coarse-to-fine position estimation. Achieved significant reduction in processing time and memory usage compared to traditional SSM.

Key Achievement: Faster convergence with reduced computational load

Soft Robotics Manipulation
Origami Gripper In-Hand Manipulation
Soft Robotics ROS2 Arduino Manipulation

Designed 3-finger and 4-finger origami grippers using Kresling structures. Set up robotic testing system with UR3 arm and developed proof-of-concept in-hand manipulation protocol. Used Arduino DUE for precise PWM control of pneumatic actuation.

Key Achievement: Demonstrated feasibility of compliant grasping

Neural Network Security
Adversarial Attack Simulation (FGSM)
ML Security FGSM MNIST TensorFlow

Trained MNIST classifier and systematically attacked it using constant offsets, noise, FGSM, and targeted FGSM. Explored vulnerabilities of neural networks to understand safety implications for robotic perception systems. Critical for verifiable ML in safety-critical applications.

Key Achievement: Demonstrated NN vulnerabilities for safety analysis

Agricultural Rover
Autonomous Agricultural Monitoring System
Autonomous Nav Sensor Fusion 3D Printing IoT

Designed unique arch-shaped chassis for non-disruptive crop navigation. Integrated soil moisture and humidity sensors with Raspberry Pi control for autonomous monitoring. Demonstrated complete system combining mechanical design, sensor fusion, and IoT connectivity.

Key Achievement: Novel chassis design enabling crop-friendly navigation

Neural Network Verification
Forward-Backward Reachability Analysis
Formal Verification Safety Control Systems Python

Re-implemented Forward-Backward Reachability Analysis for verifying neural network controllers. Applied technique to ground robot and double integrator systems. Demonstrated conclusive safety verification where traditional forward-only approaches yield inconclusive results.

Key Achievement: Improved safety verification for NN controllers

Continuum Robot
Tendon-Based Continuum Robot
Kinematics Arduino PCB Design Servo Control

Designed and fabricated continuum robot with infinite DoF using tendon actuation. Developed control algorithms on Arduino UNO and custom PCB shield for servo integration. Explored soft robotic arm concepts for constrained space manipulation.

Key Achievement: Custom hardware-software integration for flexible manipulation

Technical Skills

🤖 Robotics Frameworks

  • ROS / ROS2
  • Gazebo Simulation
  • Coppelia Sim (V-REP)
  • MoveIt!

💻 Programming Languages

  • Python (Advanced)
  • C++ (Advanced)
  • MATLAB
  • G-code

🧠 ML/AI Frameworks

  • TensorFlow / Keras
  • PyTorch
  • NumPy / Pandas
  • OpenCV

⚙️ Hardware & Embedded

  • Arduino / Raspberry Pi
  • PIC Microcontrollers
  • Sensor Integration
  • PCB Design (EasyEDA)

🎯 Core Competencies

  • SLAM & Localization
  • Motion Planning
  • Control Systems (Classical & Modern)
  • Computer Vision
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Sensor Fusion

🔧 CAD & Design

  • Fusion 360
  • SolidWorks
  • 3D Printing
  • LT Spice

📚 Specialized Coursework

  • Robot Sensing & Navigation
  • Mobile Robotics
  • Legged Robotics
  • Robot Mechanics & Controls
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Verifiable ML
  • Pattern Recognition & CV
  • Flexible Soft Robotics

🎓 Research Interests

  • Dynamic Locomotion
  • Humanoid Robotics
  • Quadruped Control
  • Learning-Based Control
  • Mobile Manipulation

Publications & Research

A 3D-Printed, 4-Degree of Freedom Soft Origami Robot Arm
Immanuel Ampomah Mensah, Owen Lewis, Joseph Allen, Ahilesh Vadivel, Celina Wu, Andrea Lacunza, Nathaniel Hanson, and Kristen L. Dorsey

Published: Soft Robotics (Journal) - 2025

My Contribution: Led fabrication through 3D printing and annealing processes. Developed ROS2 launch file architecture for multi-sensor coordination. Integrated motion capture markers for real-time tracking. Contributed to closed-loop control validation achieving <5mm error in 2D and <10mm in 3D paths.

Impact: Demonstrated novel joint arrangements from origami structures for soft robotic arms with everyday manipulation capabilities.

Vision Based CNC Pick-and-Place Machine with Machine Learning
Dhiraj Zen B K, Rishikesh Selvaraj Pillai, Nirenjan K, Ahilesh V

Published: Bachelor's Thesis, Anna University - May 2024

Supervisor: Dr. N. Ramadass, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Overview: Complete autonomous CNC system combining computer vision algorithms (contour detection, Canny edge detection, template matching) with CNN-based object classification. Utilized Raspberry Pi for coordination of vision processing and G-code generation for precise pick-and-place operations.

Let's Connect

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LinkedIn

Connect with me

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GitHub

@vadivel-ahi

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Resume

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Currently Seeking Opportunities

I'm actively looking for full-time positions starting May 2026 in:
Dynamic Locomotion • Legged Robotics • Autonomous Navigation • Mobile Manipulation • Controls Engineering

Available on F-1 OPT | Open to relocation within the United States