About
Hi, I’m David, a Physical Engineer with an M.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, where I worked under the guidance of Dr. Shinkyu Park. My specialization is in Robotics and Intelligent Systems, with a focus on mobile manipulation. I integrate deep learning methods for robotic decision-making with numerical optimization to develop advanced motion planning for robot control.
Currently, my research explores how multiple robots can cooperate to transport complex objects efficiently, leveraging mobile manipulation systems to distribute the task load effectively.
Feel free to explore my projects or reach out if you’d like to collaborate!
Robotics & Physical Engineer
I studied Physical Engineering at the National University of Colombia, where I developed skills in mechanical design, digital and analog electronics, prototyping, and scientific instrumentation—paving the way for my interest in creating systems that interact with the physical world. I pursued a master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in robotics and intelligent systems. I have focused on integrating control systems, deep learning, machine learning, and optimization to develop robust software applications that seamlessly interact with and transform the physical environment using robotics.
- Nationality: Colombian
- City: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Institution: King Abdullah University (KAUST)
- Research Interests: Autonomous Systems, Robotics
- Languages: Spanish, English C1, German A1
- Email: david.alvear@kaust.edu.sa
- Degree: MSc Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Skills: Python, ROS, Deep Learning
Interests: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Multi-Agent Cooperation, Optimization
Skills
My years as a student, engineer and researcher have not only enhanced my technical expertise, but also sharpened my critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, autonomy, organizational talents and teamwork capabilities.
Resume
Passionate about harnessing technology for humanity's benefit, my research in robotics and intelligent systems aims to push technological boundaries and drive sustainable advancements. Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. My work stands at the intersection of innovation and real-world impact.
Education
M.Sc. Electrical and Computer Engineering
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, (2022 - 2024)
B.S. Engineering Physics
National University of Colombia, (2014 - 2020)
Artificial Intelligence MicroMaster
Columbia University - edX, (2020 - 2021)
Graduate-level foundations in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with applications in Robotics and Computer Animation. View certificate.
Machine Learning Course
Columbia University - edX, (2021)
Implementation of unsupervised and supervised models with probabilistic and non-probabilistic algotithms. View certificate.
Robotics Course
Columbia University - edX, (2021)
Implementation of manipulation, mobility, and motion planning for mobile robots and robotic arms. View certificate.
Artificial Intelligence Course
Columbia University - edX, (2020)
Fundamentals of artificial intelligence for design and implement intelligent computer agents. View certificate.
Robotics: Aerial Robotics
University of Pennsylvania - Coursera, (2020)
Mechanics of flight to derive controllers, and planning algorithms for operating in three dimensional environments. View certificate.
Awards and Competitions
First Place, Hack My Robot Competition
CSAW’23, New York University, Abu Dhabi, (Nov 2023)
Seed Entrepreneurship Capital Award
Mayor’s Office of Medellin, Colombia, (Aug 2021)
Professional Experience
Research Internship Distributed and Autonomous Laboratory
March 2022 - June 2022
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
- Developed and tested Path Planning and Task Allocation for robotic autonomous navigation using mobile manipulation platform, ClearPath Dingo and Kinova Gen3 Arm.
- Integration of Depth Camera, Velodyne Lidar for mobile manipulation navigation.
Data Scientist
Feb 2021 - Feb 2022
Parque Explora Coorporation, Medellin, Colombia
- Data engineering to streamline data processing with Google Cloud, BigQuery, and Apache Airflow, enhancing data quality and daily data tracking for business intelligence.
- Spearheaded machine learning data analysis for marketing in customer recommendations, data quality, social media, and science engagement projects.
- Digital transformation implementation using Salesforce for marketing and portfolio operations.
- Implemented data visualizers integrating social media, marketing, sales, operations, and projects for business intelligence. Achieved real-time data visualization for making business decisions.
Research Internship Perception and Robotics Laboratory
May 2019 - Sep 2019
Center for Research in Optics A.C. Leon, Mexico
- Implemented machine learning for robotics navigation using an event-based vision camera, for non-static body segmentation from static background.
Machine Learning Engineer Consultant
Feb 2019 - May 2020
DataRock S.A.S, Medellin, Colombia
- Enhanced agricultural analysis process by developing crop location and identification using drone's images using TensorFlow for deep learning and OpenCV for computer vision. Achieving automated software for crop counting in large terrains.
- Developed an Android app for avocado tree production tracking. Achieving tree condition and production tracking for business intelligence.
Mechatronics Engineer Consultant
Apr 2018 - Mar 2019
Color & Diseño S.A.S, Medellin, Colombia
- Automated industrial procedure for flower bucket processing. Increasing manufacturing performance by constant flower production and reducing chemical exposition to human operators.
- Prototype and product development of a line processing cyber-physical system.
- Development of circuit board for actuators, and sensor integration for product tracking and processing.
- Development and implementation of an automated vision tracking system using deep learning for bucket flower classification and tracking.
Portfolio
Within this portfolio, you'll find a compilation of projects encompassing my expertise in robotics, software development, and advanced technologies. Each project underscores rigorous research and design methodologies, reflecting dedication to innovation and excellence.
- All
- Robotics
- Software
- Others
Contact
For inquiries, collaborations, or further discussions regarding my research and projects in Robotics and Intelligent Systems, feel free to get in touch. Below you'll find my primary contact details and location at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. I look forward to connecting with you.
Location:
King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology 23955, Saudi Arabia
Email:
david.alvear@kaust.edu.sa