Karthika Balan

About Karthika Balan

I am a detail-oriented Electrical and Computer Engineer with a Ph.D, specializing in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Embedded Systems, and Optimization Techniques. My professional experience spans developing and deploying advanced sensor systems, autonomous robots, and unmanned aerial systems for a variety of applications, including nuclear radiation detection, advanced driver assistance systems, and robotics research.Currently, I work as a Senior Scientific Engineering Associate at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the Applied Nuclear Sciences Division. My role involves developing, constructing, and integrating multi-sensor systems (cameras, LiDARs, RADARs, GPS/INS, and radiation detectors) and creating AI/ML algorithms for autonomous robotic platforms like the Boston Dynamics Spot and drones. As an FAA-certified drone pilot, I conduct field experiments, enabling autonomous operations in complex real-world environments.Previously, as an ADAS HiL/ViL Engineer at Ford Motor Company, I contributed to the development of Level 2 and Level 3 ADAS algorithms, path planning, sensor integration, and motion control for cutting-edge automotive systems. I also bring strong academic experience, having taught engineering computing and problem-solving, and conducted extensive research in SLAM, path planning, and multispectral image classification and object recognition. I am proficient in integrating and calibrating sensors such as LiDARs, IMUs, RADARs, GPS, and cameras on robotic platforms, including Boston Dynamics Spot, Husky, Jackal, Segway, and drones. My technical toolkit includes Robot Operating System (ROS1/ROS2), SLAM, path planning, Python, C++, MATLAB, Simulink, and TensorFlow, among other tools and platforms.My vision is to leverage Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Vision to create advanced autonomous systems that drive innovation in safety, exploration, and sustainability. I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of robotics and AI to address real-world challenges.

Experience

1. Senior Robotics Engineer

   Apple

   Aug 2025 — Present · Cupertino, CA, US

   Development of software architecture for the in house autonomous systems using open source frameworks like ROS, ROS2.2. Apply modern ML and CV models in robotic perception, contributing to system reliability, sensorintegration, and testing under diverse conditions.3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on system assembly, QA/verification, and deployment; providetechnical support, root-cause analysis, and iterative improvements to enhance reliability in field operations.

Education

• University of Detroit Mercy

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering

• Vellore Institute of Technology

  MASTERS IN SENSOR SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY, Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• Baselios Mathew II College of Engineering, Sasthamcottah, Kollam

  B.Tech in Electronics and Communication, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering