I have long been fascinated by how the universe works – an interest that first took shape through astronomy and physics. Over time, this curiosity evolved, drawing me to technology and robotics, where my interests in engineering, mechanical design and problem-solving found common ground.
As part of Plaksha’s founding BTech cohort, I chose Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS) as my major, a journey that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. What excites me most is not only the technical rigor but also the limitless applications of robotics in our world today. From robots monitoring fragile ecosystems to navigating bustling cities or even providing personalized care, the field is expanding rapidly – and the future it promises is boundless.
Unlike conventional electrical or mechanical engineering programs, RAS is uniquely designed to meet the rising demand at the crossroads of computing, mechatronics and human-centered design. Courses such as Signals and Systems, System Dynamics and Control, Sensing and Actuation, and Connected Systems and IoT provide us with a foundation in signal processing, dynamic system modeling, feedback control, sensor integration, and network communication protocols. These core concepts enable the design and deployment of intelligent, embedded systems that operate seamlessly across cyber-physical interfaces.
To those considering the major, my advice is simple: do not be afraid of the subject. People often assume it is all math and physics, but much of our work is computational and highly collaborative. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and be willing to explore. Most skills are transferable across robotic domains, and the opportunities are endless if you are ready to learn.
I worked on numerous projects at Plaksha. One of them involved exploring underwater locomotion, where I integrated reinforcement learning with biomimetic fish-like agents in simulation. This became my first work to be presented at a top-tier conference and gave me the confidence to take on similar projects in the future. But the project closest to my heart is WINDEGY, a vertical-axis wind turbine system designed to boost energy efficiency by exploiting wake effects. What started as a late-night idea soon grew into a full-fledged team effort. We fabricated multiple prototypes and eventually won Plaksha’s inaugural Summer Entrepreneurship Program 2022, as well as the prestigious SP Dutt Award for Innovation and Impact 2023!
It was one of my most significant experiences. The whole journey taught me that simple ideas, when executed well, can make a real difference. Developing sustainable energy options is one of the most pressing issues of the time and I am very elated to have been a part of this.
My academic journey at Plaksha gave me many opportunities to learn and grow. Earning a place on the Dean’s List was a proud moment as it recognized my consistent performance. My passion for robotics and agentic systems then took me to the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego, first as a summer intern and later for my thesis. There, I worked on using robotics for healthcare, focusing on intervention techniques to stop the spread of cough aerosol in closed environments. Our team developed both autonomous robots that could detect and clear out coughs, and smart HVAC systems designed to do the same.
That internship was truly a transformative experience. It sharpened my academic writing skills, improved my time management, and taught me how to communicate ideas clearly. The welcoming environment strengthened my resolve to pursue higher education. I also realized how important it is to talk to the right people at the right time – just reaching out, asking relevant questions, and staying open to ideas made all the difference.
Looking ahead, I am eager to dive deeper into underwater robotics, agentic systems, and perception-based learning. Long-term, I want to use my skills to give back. I would love to teach someday – complete graduate school, pursue a professorship, and maybe even open my own school!
Whether through wind turbines, underwater robotics, or new innovations yet to come, my journey has only just begun.
Kaustubh is currently working as a Project Engineer in the Aerospace Engineering Department at IIT Bombay.
