Josh Ethan Nirmal
WORCESTER,MA
Summary
Graduate student in Robotics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a strong foundation in AI, motion planning, and autonomous systems. Experienced in implementing OMPL-based planners, control strategies, and robotic manipulation tasks through hands-on projects. Skilled in bridging theory and real-world robotics applications, including navigation in dynamic environments. Passionate about building intelligent, reliable robotic systems for complex real-world problems.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Worcester
10.2025 - Current
Autonomous Driving Project – Research Assistant
October 2025 – Present
1) Fleet Scalability: Spearheading the hardware configuration and software calibration of 18 Raspberry Pi-based
vehicles to establish a consistent machine learning research platform.
2) Model Training & Data Engineering: Utilized TensorFlow linear models for autonomous navigation, optimizing
performance via camera calibration and high-volume data collection.
3) Hardware Integration: Configured and troubleshot PCA9685 servo drivers and USB vision systems to ensure precise
PWM steering control and reliable environmental input.
4)Calibration & Troubleshooting: Developed a standardized calibration process to resolve steering alignment issues,
ensuring high-fidelity data generation for autonomous lane-following.
Engineering Intern
TechConative
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Developed a browser-based video chat application using React and Firebase, enabling seamless real-time communication for users.
- Integrated WebRTC to implement a robust video/audio chat feature, creating a room-based structure for scalable multi-user interaction.
- Designed a clean, interactive user interface, conducting usability testing to optimize navigation and overall experience.
- Performed rigorous debugging and testing to ensure application stability and high-performance functionality
Education
M.S. - Robotics Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Worcester, MA, USA05-2027
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science (AI & Robotics)
(Foreign Studies) VIT Chennai
India07-2025
Skills
- React,Firebase,MATLAB, Linux, WebRTC
- Applied ROS, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi for robotics system design and hardware integration
- Executed autonomous navigation, robotic arm control, and embedded system projects
- Programming & Development: Visual Studio, Arduino IDE, Python, Java, C, Unity
- Raspberry Pi, Arduino, VEX V5 Robotics, PC Building, Soldering, 3D Printing (FDM & Resin), Laser Cutting, IMU sensor, Rotational Sensors, Pixhawk 4 FC, GPS Sensor, ESCs, UBEC, RX Receivers, Ultrasonic Distance Sensors
Timeline
Research Assistant
Worcester
10.2025 - Current
Engineering Intern
TechConative
08.2023 - 10.2023
M.S. - Robotics Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science (AI & Robotics)
(Foreign Studies) VIT Chennai