About Me
Hi! I'm Vishnu Mandala, a Systems Integration Engineer at OTTO by Rockwell Automation in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I hold a Master’s in Robotics Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, where I specialized in robot perception, motion planning, and control.
I build intelligent robotic systems that connect software, hardware, and automation into cohesive, reliable solutions. My experience spans autonomous mobile robots, manipulators, and industrial automation, working with technologies like ROS2, MoveIt, SLAM, YOLOv8, and reinforcement learning to help robots perceive, decide, and act in complex environments.
I’ve contributed to projects ranging from fleet traffic management and AMR deployment to adaptive navigation algorithms and AI-based perception systems. Whether optimizing multi-robot coordination, developing real-time control architectures, or designing digital twins in Gazebo and IsaacSim, I focus on building scalable, data-driven automation that performs in the real world.
I’m passionate about bridging robotics, AI, and control engineering to push the boundaries of what machines can achieve—efficiently, intelligently, and safely.
Tech Stack Usage Across Projects
Robotics Frameworks
Essential frameworks for robotics development, simulation, and computer vision.
Timeline
Systems Integration Engineer
August 2025 — Present
OTTO by Rockwell Automation
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Engineered AMR workflows, fleet maps, intervention logs, and site reports for ∼100 robots across two large-scale plant projects, addressing system design issues, optimizing fleet traffic management, and standardizing deployment documentation
Integrated AMRs with middleware (Nexia, GM systems) via REST APIs; debugged rosbag and RViz logs, analyzed visualizations, and escalated issues through Jira — improving travel time by 12% and cutting queuing by 20%
Commissioned deployments by authoring acceptance tests, validating middleware integrations, and building VRA test servers on AWS to trial workflow and system enhancements
Delivered Tier-3 support and structured training to ∼10 plant employees, combining technical documentation, troubleshooting workflows, and on-site validation to ensure reliable, long-term AMR operations
Robotics Intern
March 2025 — July 2025
RoBuildX Inc. (Remote)
Developed parametric URDF/XACRO models for the Roofie wall-panel placer, integrating MoveIt2 pipelines and achieving sub-10 mm placement accuracy in Gazebo
Migrated Gazebo sensor and actuator plugins to ROS2 and built automated test frameworks to validate trajectories and safety interlocks — reducing commissioning time by 30%
Designed upper-rail gripper controls and payload kits for a 500 kg AMR, fusing LiDAR, IMU, and AprilTag data with Nav2 planners for reliable dynamic navigation
Graduate Teaching Assistant
August 2023 — December 2024
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland
Delivered hands-on instruction in SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor to over 600 students, improving design accuracy by 25% through advanced CAD lectures, targeted feedback, and collaboration with faculty on grading and assessments
Assistant Operations Manager
June 2023 — December 2024
Conferences and Visitor Services, University of Maryland
Directed linen operations across 120+ programs, implementing a custom database to maintain 100% inventory tracking accuracy, achieve a 50% cost reduction, boost efficiency by 30%, and supervise a team of 25 members
Master of Engineering in Robotics
January 2023 — December 2024
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
GPA: 3.91/4.0
Coursework: Perception and Planning for Autonomous Robots, Robot Modeling and Controls, AI and Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Manufacturing Robotic Systems, Rehabilitation Robotics
Bachelor of Technology in Mechatronics
July 2018 — July 2022
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology, India
GPA: 7.84/10
Coursework: Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery, Robotics and Automation, CAD/CAM, Finite Element Methods, Motion Control Design, Switching Theory and Logic Design, Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, Fundamentals of IoT, MEMS, Material Science, Automotive and Manufacturing Processes, Automobile Engineering, Operations Research
Activities
- Vehicle Prototype Developer – QUADTEK RACING, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology (FMAE BAJA 2021)
- Designed and optimized a BAJA off-road prototype in SolidWorks and ANSYS—refined chassis, suspension, and roll-cage via FEA and field tests, cutting frame weight 12% while meeting FMAE/SAE safety factors > 2.0
- Engineered custom PCB-based electrical architecture integrating sensors and actuators for real-time data logging and control
Certifications
