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. My expertise lies at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, focusing on perception, planning, and control.

I have developed intelligent robotic systems using ROS/ROS2, designed deep learning-based AI solutions, and implemented reinforcement learning algorithms for navigation and decision-making. My experience spans mobile robotics, manipulators, autonomous navigation, and industrial automation, with a strong foundation in robot modeling, simulation, and embedded systems.

My work has been instrumental in projects such as autonomous robot navigation, industrial automation, AI-driven perception systems, and adaptive control algorithms, leveraging tools like PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, and SLAM frameworks. I am passionate about building efficient, scalable, and intelligent robotic solutions that push the boundaries of automation and real-world deployment.

Tech Stack Usage Across Projects

Python

95%

Jupyter Notebook

80%

C++

70%

CMake

65%

Shell

50%

MATLAB

60%

CSS

40%

HTML

40%

JavaScript

40%

Ruby

30%

LIDAR

65%

ROS/ROS2

85%

SolidWorks

70%

OpenCV

80%

TensorFlow/Keras

70%

PyTorch

65%

SLAM

80%

Gazebo

75%

PID Control

70%

Kalman Filtering

70%

CARLA Simulator

50%

Raspberry Pi

65%

Programming Languages

Python

C++

Bash

JavaScript

MATLAB

CUDA

Kotlin

HTML

CSS

My core languages for software development, robotics, and AI applications.

AI & Machine Learning

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Keras

Scikit-learn

Pandas

NumPy

Matplotlib

My preferred tools for machine learning, deep learning, and data analysis.

Robotics Frameworks

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

OpenCV

Essential frameworks for robotics development, simulation, and computer vision.

Productivity Tools

Photoshop

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Essential tools for documentation, collaboration, and content creation.

Development Tools

Git

Docker

Linux

CMake

VSCode

Jupyter

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

Windows

Essential tools for version control, development environments, and build systems.

CAD & Simulation

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Fusion 360

AutoCAD

Creo

Inventor

Tools for mechanical design, FEA analysis, and 3D modeling.

Timeline

Systems Integration Engineer

August 2025 — Present

OTTO by Rockwell Automation
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Systems integration and automation solutions for industrial robotics and autonomous mobile robots

Robotics Intern

March 2025 — August 2025

RoBuildX Inc. (Remote)

Developed parametric URDF/XACRO models for the Roofie wall-panel placer, integrated MoveIt2 pipelines, and achieved sub-10 mm placement accuracy in Gazebo simulations

Ported Gazebo sensor and actuator plugins to ROS2 and built automated test frameworks to validate trajectories, safety interlocks, and refine control parameters — cutting commissioning time by 30%

Designed an upper-rail–mounted gripper control and payload attachment kit for a purchased 500,kg AMR; integrated CANbus I/O, e-stop circuitry, and HIL tests, then fused LiDAR + IMU + AprilTag data with Nav2 planners for reliable dynamic navigation

Liaised with clients, project managers, and AMR vendors to scope deployments, customize platforms, and author quick-start and troubleshooting guides for Tier-3 support

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

Master Statistics & Machine Learning: Intuition, Math, Code - Udemy (Oct 2024)
A Deep Understanding of Deep Learning - Udemy (Oct 2024)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - E-Cell, Indian Institute of Technology (Jul 2018)