David Alvear

I'm

About

Hi, I’m David, a Physical Engineer with a M.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. I specialize in Robotics and Intelligent Systems, using deep learning for robot decision-making in cooperative mobile manipulation. With over four years of experience, my engineering goal is to develop robotic solutions, combining mechatronics and learning systems for interaction with the physical world. My primary motivation lies in creating cyber-physical systems that enhance human potential in transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. Outside of engineering, I’m passionate about guitar and singing. I enjoy blending creativity and problem-solving both in my work and personal life.

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. Seeking to deepen my expertise, 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.

Robotics Systems (ROS, PyBullet, Gazebo)92%
Deep Learning(RL, Vision, NLP) 80%
3D printing and Prototyping (SolidEdge, Fusion360)85%
Reinforcement Learning (Gymnasium, DQN) 65%
Data Science & Analysis (Google Cloud, Python, Airflow) 85%
Embedded Systems (C++, C, Nvidia Jetson, Microchip microcontrollers) 75%

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)
  • GPA. 3.79/4.
  • ​Relevant course work:​ Deep Learning for Visual Computing, Math Foundations for Machine Learning, Numerical Optimization, Robot Planning and Control, and Cyber-Physical Systems.
  • Specialized in multi-robot cooperation for object transportation, using deep learning, path planning and optimization to develop a grasping planner for two-robot mobile manipulators.
  • Thesis Link

    • B.S. Engineering Physics

    National University of Colombia, (2014 - 2020)
  • GPA. 4.3/5.
  • Specialized in cyber-physical systems prototyping, electronics design, and robotics.
  • ​​Relevant course work:​ Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers, Analog Electronics, Computer Vision, Robotics Fundamentals, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and Mechanical Design.

    • 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)
  • ​​Team leader cybersecurity and robotics competition for exploration of robotic industrial weakness.
  • ​Cyberattacks exploiting ROS and robotics application vulnerabilities in construction sites.​

    • ​Seed Entrepreneurship Capital Award

    Mayor’s Office of Medellin, Colombia, (Aug 2021)
  • ​Business model design for security and routing mobile application for improving Medellin bikers' mobility.
  • ​Implemented a numerical optimization algorithm for route planning to reduce risks in mobility and elevation changes.

    • 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