Who am I ?

I’m Harshit Jain, a Robotics Engineer specializing in Perception and Control, currently pursuing my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (Robotics) at Carnegie Mellon University. I design and build robotic systems that sense, adapt and act, transforming data into purposeful motion.

My Background

I earned my Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering (AI & ML specialization) from SRM University, India, where I developed a strong foundation in mechanical systems, design, and control while integrating data-driven methods.
During my undergraduate years, I didn’t just complete courses, I explored everything from CAD design to create autonomous control systems that work reliably in the real world.

My curiosity for applied robotics took me to Umeå University, Sweden, for a research semester. There, I collaborated with ABB Robotics to build a perception-to-control pipeline that achieved 92% accuracy and 0.028 pose estimation error using RGB-D data. This experience taught me the value of combining structured engineering with creative experimentation.

Today at Carnegie Mellon University, I’m diving deeper into robot perception, ROS2 integration, and dynamic control, refining how robots understand and interact with their environments.


What Drives me as a Roboticist?

I don’t see robots as replacements for people. I see them as extensions of human capability.

For me, robotics is not about assembling machines out of metal and code. It is about creating intelligent systems that can see, think and act on their own while still being guided by human purpose. I believe robots should assist rather than lead, working with humans to make tasks safer, faster, and more efficient.

What motivates me most is the moment when perception turns into purposeful motion, when a robot understands its surroundings and takes action that supports a human’s intent instead of overshadowing it.

My Goals

Short-Term (Next 1–2 Years)

  • Contribute to research and development in perception-driven control and autonomous manipulation.

  • Strengthen expertise in robot simulation, real-time perception, and motion control through academic projects and internships.

  • Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams to translate lab concepts into practical robotic prototypes.

Long-Term

  • Advance into industry-focused robotics, building intelligent automation systems that combine perception, control, and scalability.

  • Drive innovation in industrial and assistive robotics, creating systems that enhance human capability and operational efficiency.

  • Continue contributing to the robotics community through patentable designs, publications, and cross-industry collaboration.


Beyond Engineering

Outside academics, I’ve always enjoyed exploring new places and meeting new people. Traveling through 10 European countries in three weeks gave me a sense of freedom and perspective that no classroom could offer. It taught me to appreciate diversity, adapt quickly and find inspiration in everyday experiences.

I’m deeply passionate about photography capturing streets, architecture, and emotions that often go unnoticed. It’s a way for me to slow down and see the world with detail and curiosity.

When I’m home, I love playing badminton, which helps me unwind, stay active, and keep a competitive spirit alive in a healthy way.

Curious about the person behind the robots?
My journey — from India to Sweden to the U.S., and everything I’ve learned along the way — is a story still being written.

Read My Journey → Coming soon...