SOP Sample for MS in Robotics AI in USA - Recent Grad Profile

Statement of Purpose

# MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems

My infatuation with robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) started when I watched the movie 'I Robot'. The concept of robots assisting and supplementing our abilities etched an impact on me. In my 9th grade, I designed a door-based intruder alarm, which was an engaging experience and it invigorated my interest in electronics. Wanting to explore career prospects in the field, I began my undergraduation majoring in Electronics and Telecommunication (E&TC) Engineering.

During my undergraduation, I had to undergo a major surgery, for which, the doctors presented us with two options. They would either perform the surgery themselves, or a super-specialist would operate using robotic arms. My parents were hesitant for the latter, but my deep-rooted fascination pushed me towards opting for option two. This experience motivated me to undertake an education in Robotics. Ergo, I applied at the Robotics Team in college and learned how vast, complex and promising this field of study is. I quickly recognized that Robotics required a combination of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. As part of the team, I developed two types of autonomous robots – wheeled and quadruped. For better understanding, I chose specialized subjects in the domains of Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL).

Studying E&TC, I got intrigued by electronics in remote-controlled cars and studied control systems that are fundamental in robotics to embark on few challenging projects. For my minor project, I developed a prototype of a surveillance drone with autonomous functions. I applied for a position as an ML intern at the [ORGANIZATION], [ADDRESS]. Here, I chose to work on "Predictive Maintenance of Automobiles" for my major project. I employed my ML knowledge to develop a model that could predict automobile system fault severity before it occurred. The research associated with the project was published with [PUBLISHER] in January 2021. In [COMPETITION] 2019, I utilized the experience to work on an auto-gyro system. Parachute airdrops have a large landing radius. This is because of natural factors like cross wind and rain. Thus, making it difficult to land in a specific drop zone. I used a combination of auto-gyro systems with Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithms. This achieved reliable accuracy while simulating it inside of the [GAME_ENGINE].

I pursued internship opportunities as part of R&D efforts in the professional community and built requisite skills for my future career. In an internship role with the start-up '[COMPANY]', I designed software and hardware control systems with a focus on Active and Passive Battery Management Systems. I pursued another internship at [ORGANIZATION], [ADDRESS]. This special opportunity allowed me to contribute to the mega science project – Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) as a Project Student with [PROFESSOR]. Here, I worked with the Seismic Isolation Group on Suspension Control Electronics, a practical application of active feedback control systems. The project entailed that I develop low-noise analog electronic circuits to control and dampen suspended optics like those in the LIGO-Interferometer. The circuits I developed had a diverse range of applications. They are used in Single State Suspension training module HAM AUX, Folded Pendulum Seismometers and Low-Frequency Geophones at the LIGO-India Design Cell Team. Having a keen interest in autonomy and a knack for optimization, I explored multiple algorithms which can hasten the process of stabilizing the suspended optics. Thus, I reviewed and presented a few papers by the LIGO Community on Particle Swarm Optimization and its applications in LIGO.

Eager to learn further in depth about the various forms of ML and AI, I took up beginner to intermediate level projects based on the TensorFlow library. I focused on Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing. I started with classification of images in the Fashion MNIST dataset using Multi-Layer Perceptron and then gradually learning about Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), eventually classifying computer-generated images of humans and horses. I transitioned from images to text and learnt about Recurrent Neural Networks and their applications in understanding sarcasm in text, to classifying IMDb reviews, and sentiment analysis on a dataset of tweets from Twitter. Another exciting experience was applying this knowledge to my major project of predicting the automobile system fault severity using ML Algorithms – Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines and Gradient Boosted Trees. These projects, internships and practical learning opportunities helped me cement my motivation to become a ML/AI Engineer and helped me decide my interest areas – Autonomous Systems/Robotics.

In April 2021, I started my first full-time role as an Associate Engineer in eMobility at [COMPANY]. Here, I noticed that the team needed to change each value in a test case. I developed an automated process using predefined scripts, which increased time efficiency. Also, helped the test case creation process become free of human intervention and error-free. Though I enjoy my work and the environment at [COMPANY], I need to study further. I have a long way to go, learning advanced skills in Robotics and Autonomous Systems.

Thus, I have opted to apply for the 'Robotics and Autonomous Systems (AI)' program offered by the [UNIVERSITY]. This will help fulfill my career expectations and aid me to work towards achieving my childhood dream of becoming a Robotics and Intelligent System designer. The course curriculum focuses on imparting advanced skills in AI and ML. It provides ample opportunities like workshops, projects and research collaborations. [PROFESSOR]'s and [PROFESSOR]'s extensive work on Motion Planning and Sequential Decision Making for Robots has caught my eye and is aligned with my interests. If accepted, I would like to work with them and contribute to their teams to the best of my abilities. Further, I always wanted to work at the forefront of the latest research and technological advancements. Thus, I would look for such roles to earn exposure to commercial and industrial projects in my field. Professionally, I would like to work as an ML/AI Engineer or a Robotics Engineer in leading companies. In the longer term, I would use this experience to pursue critical research under PhD studies.

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