Statement of Purpose

Master of Engineering (MEng) in Robotics and Automation- University of Arizona

One of the most advanced AI Androids made, Sophia is a sophistication in itself. Watching Sophia
interact with humans left me stupefied- what seemed a dream years ago was now in existence.
Researchers such as the Loving AI project to understand human robot interaction and personality
development was a field not well known 20 years back. This keen interest and amazement got me deep
diving into understanding the mechanics and working of Artificial Intelligence. From Neural networks,
recognizing human faces, and providing numerous potential services, intelligence bots like Sophia are
more to come. Many fictions have portrayed the world having dual existence of Humans and bots alike -
we may be moving more towards that vision sooner than we had expected - especially with Sophia being
granted Citizenship status by Saudi Arabia in 2017.
Though, the representation of robots to the public mind through movies, TV shows, games, etc. was
progressive and yet impossible. The feats they could pull off could be considered nothing less of a
miracle. This was the reason why my heart frolicked around robots since I was a kid and the endless
possibilities that still excites me to this day. The advancement of this young impressionable boy however,
was slow. It started with learning Java and C, C++ programming in high school to gain experience on
how commands and data were made to instruct computers. The theoretical and calculative concepts
flowed through with the Physics and Mathematics - predominantly with the rigorous preparation that took
over for JEE (Joint Entrance Examinations). The real learning came as my undergraduate studies in
Mechatronics Engineering started. To gain on-hand learning, in my 2nd year of B.E. I joined an
independent club named NH Motorsport. Starting off as a trainee, I learned Mechatronics Engineering -
shifting to conceptual Robotics and Machine Vision as my elective in my final semester, the basics of
designing in SolidWorks, being promoted to the designing team for BAJA. The club also enabled me to
work in the training department, focusing on recruiting and training juniors in the club. The real work was
logged as I involved myself in the manufacturing and assembly team of Formula Bharat section, where I
took care of quality check and transportation of the parts. The experience at NH Motorsport gave me an
inter-functional role to be a part of the technical assembly team as well as a managerial role to handle the
training team and manufacturing team as we successfully built the Formula Bharat car. This experience
thus shaped me into an individual with not only technical skills but also as a leader who can manage tasks
and people alike. My final year project was based on wheel assembly of the same formula-style car. I also
designed an ATV with my team for the BAJA competition. BAJA was based on a different set of rules, so
I got the opportunity to construct two separate successful automobile designs.
I realized that this could not be the only aspect I should work on. I thus started courses and worked my
way to getting certifications and better programming skills by taking up learnings offered by the
University of Michigan. I consistently kept involving myself in programming challenges and practices. I
was also a part of the Robotics club in my college where I did RAP (Robotics Awareness Program).
Being a part of this, we went to local school and taught basics of robotics and spread awareness of the
impact the knowledge on robotics can have. As I commenced to my final year, I realized that my dream
of being an innovative driver in robotics and AI was still a long way off. My undergraduate studies taught
me well not only academically but in teamwork and extracurricular involvement. Introductory Robotics:
Kinematics, Dynamics, and Path Planning, Introduction to Advanced Control Theory and Programming
of Real-Time Mechatronic Systems are what I wish to learn when I progress into a degree of higher
conceptualization. The graduate program at University of Arizona is the first step to being a part of this
elite innovators. In particular mention, the industry partnerships and Government grants like SBIR and
STTR ensure that innovators get the support to excel. While the research areas do not have Robotics as its
main focus, it my hope that with Graduate Research and faculty, robotics will also pick up major
innovations and establish great work- a vision where I wish to also place myself as a collaborator.
The time spent in University of Arizona as I earn my credits as well as my Post-graduate degree will aid
me in entering the field of tech-giants. I am particularly invested in being part of the teams at Meta,
Neuralink, Boston Dynamics, etc. 10 years down the road, I envision a highway straight to my own
research company, working on developing bots that make Human tasks simplified with AI assistance.
Networking, learning and researching are key focus areas that I wish to start working on once I establish
myself as a Robotics Engineer. It’s a long way to build robots like Saul and Pepper, but each small step
serves to bring one closer to the destination.
I believe a robust individual sees beyond learning - it is also about giving. Being a part of society, I joined
the Aasara Trust in Thane, India helping children in their regular studies and getting basic livelihood
requirements. Likewise, the Manjula Women Welfare charitable trust that I volunteer for has also been
helping elders in the old age homes to get help in regular daily activities and also to get financial aid for
having a better livelihood. Contributing to our society is what I have been taught by my parents- my
father who works in the income tax and my mother who is more than determined as an entrepreneur. A
fundamental concept of sharing and kindness that starts from home rooted in our genes. I would thus like
to continue engaging with clubs like Arizona Autonomous Vehicle Club or the UoA Robotics (Battle
Bots) while aiming to work my way into the professional societies like Society of Automotive Engineers
at University of Arizona and its rich diversity by not only bringing in my roots and culture but also in my
unique interest in gaming and building gaming PCs. Platform like Twitch has enabled gamers to gain
more exposure and popularity- with ASU’s techies doubling as gamers, it’s a community to build upon,
particularly as I have also taken part in College competitions. I’m also keen on building highly efficient
gaming PCs at a low-cost budget.
As much as University of Arizona has much to offer, I believe there is much that I as an aspiring
candidate can bring. More than talent, smart efficient work accounts for a large part of an individual’s
success. This is a path to follow and a challenge to overcome as well as leverage upon. It is my hope that
the Admissions Committee will consider my application for the incoming class of Fall 2023 for its
graduate program in Robotics and Automation.