Experience

This summer, I worked in CERLAB, a robotics lab based at Carnegie Mellon University. My primary focus was creating a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) testbed using Nvidia Isaac Sim, a powerful simulation tool for testing and evaluating robotic algorithms in realistic virtual environments.

In parallel, I developed a Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) SLAM system with a GTSAM backend. This system aimed to provide accurate localization and mapping capabilities, serving as a foundational platform for student researchers to test their own algorithms and further explore SLAM techniques. By leveraging GTSAM's optimization framework, I ensured that the platform could handle complex scenarios while maintaining flexibility for different research needs.

I am continuing to work in the same lab during this fall semester, my new project is to develop a 6DoF pose estimation pipeline for our warehouse robot to be able to estimate the location and heading of the warehouse vehicles around it.

Amazon

Operations Management Intern | July - September 2022

At Amazon, I was stationed as an operations intern at their SNG1 sortation site in Leicester, England. During my time there, I worked closely with the Head of the Continuous Improvement department, gaining valuable insights into warehouse operations and logistics. I focused on improving operations through data driven methods using DMAIC Six Sigma Methods.

In my first week, I worked as an associate on the warehouse floor to understand the core operations, a practice Amazon follows for anyone joining any position at their warehouses. 

I was tasked with improving the container unloading process. To achieve this, I collected and analyzed operational data, collaborated with other Amazon warehouses to identify and adopt best practices, and interviewed actual workers. At the end I developed a new method aimed at reducing the walking distance for associates. This was particularly important as our warehouse primarily handled heavy-weight items. After testing the new approach on-site, the result was a 22% reduction in unloading time for certain trailers that satisfied some criteria. I compiled the findings in a detailed white paper, presenting the results of the trial along with further recommendations to senior management.

Alongside my internship, I took Six Sigma lessons from Amazon and applied the methodologies directly to my project work. By the end of my internship, I earned my Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.