Robotics · Autonomy · Embedded Systems

Hi, I’m Sai Abhishek Bhattiprolu.

I’m a Master’s student in Robotics & Autonomous Systems at Arizona State University, focusing on systems engineering, embedded systems, and marine autonomy. I build real-time sensing platforms, autonomy behaviors, and system-of-systems architectures for autonomous vehicles.

View Résumé Browse Projects →

📍 Tempe, AZ · +1 (781) 267-5268 · abhatti6@asu.edu · LinkedIn

Snapshot

• Graduate student in Robotics & Autonomous Systems (Systems Engineering).
• Research Associate at MIT working on marine autonomy & embedded systems.
• Experience with MOOS-IvP, microcontrollers, and system-of-systems design.

About

I’m currently pursuing a Master of Science in Robotics & Autonomous Systems at Arizona State University, specializing in Systems Engineering. My work sits at the intersection of autonomy, embedded systems, and system-of-systems design.

As a Research Associate at MIT, I’ve worked on designing and implementing real-time environmental monitoring platforms and autonomy behaviors for Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) and renewable-powered offshore AUV servicing platforms. I enjoy moving from low-level microcontroller code and sensor integration all the way up to autonomy frameworks like MOOS-IvP.

I also bring experience from a technical internship at Intel, where I helped improve tool performance and maintenance workflows, and from multiple teaching assistant roles where I taught robotics and engineering fundamentals to high school students.

Focus Areas

Autonomous vehicles · Embedded & real-time systems · Marine robotics · System-of-systems design · Environmental monitoring

Currently

• Developing and integrating embedded sensing platforms for ASVs.
• Working with MOOS-IvP to enhance autonomous mission execution.
• Exploring predictive modeling and renewable-powered marine systems.

Skills

Languages

• C, C++, C#
• Python, MATLAB
• AVR Assembly, VHDL

Embedded & Robotics

• Microcontrollers & embedded systems programming
• Atmel Studio, AVR in C, Arduino, Raspberry Pi
• MOOS-IvP autonomy framework
• Sensor integration & wireless communication

Tools & Platforms

• Vivado
• Kali Linux, Ubuntu, WSL
• GitLab, GitHub
• 3D printing, Microsoft Office
• macOS, Windows

Selected Projects

PANTHER – In-Situ Environmental Monitoring System

Developed a real-time water quality monitoring system integrated onto the PEARL Autonomous Surface Vehicle, using a system-of-systems framework to support environmental data collection.

• Integrated sensors for parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen.
• Programmed microcontrollers for real-time acquisition and processing.
• Designed wireless communication paths between embedded devices and central servers.
• Contributed to a 2025 conference publication on system design and implementation.

Bathymetry Mapping on PEARL ASV

Implemented an autonomous system to measure and map water depth using the PEARL ASV platform, leveraging MOOS-IvP for navigation and mission execution.

• Integrated depth sensors into the on-board embedded system.
• Configured waypoint navigation and mission profiles in MOOS-IvP.
• Supported mapping and visualization of bathymetry data.

Predictive Thermal Modeling for Offshore AUV Servicing Platform

Contributed to modeling and analysis for a renewably powered offshore AUV servicing platform, focusing on predictive thermal behavior under different operating conditions.

• Helped characterize thermal performance for long-duration operation.
• Supported work toward a conference paper (OMAE2025-152581).
• Informed design decisions for energy-aware marine infrastructure.

Raspberry Pi Cybersecurity Demonstration

Built a Raspberry Pi–based hacking project to demonstrate real-world cybersecurity risks and mitigation strategies within small networked systems.

• Identified and exploited vulnerabilities on a controlled network.
• Demonstrated attack vectors relevant to embedded and IoT devices.
• Implemented and documented countermeasures for hardening.

UDP Client–Server File Transfer

Designed a Python-based client–server system to transfer files over UDP, focusing on efficient data transmission in lossy environments.

• Implemented custom packet handling and basic reliability features.
• Demonstrated concepts applicable to robotic telemetry links.

Traffic Light Control with AVR Assembly

Programmed a traffic light system using AVR Assembly to model a finite state machine–based controller.

• Implemented timing and state transitions at the register level.
• Demonstrated an understanding of low-level embedded control logic.

Experience

Research Associate

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) · Jun 2024 – Present

Working on embedded systems, autonomy, and system integration for marine robotic platforms, including Autonomous Surface Vehicles and offshore AUV servicing systems.

• Programmed microcontrollers for real-time sensor data acquisition, processing, and wireless communication.
• Designed and integrated system architectures for automation processes and high-performance networking.
• Led system integration and testing, improving reliability and operational efficiency across platforms.
• Enhanced vehicle autonomy using the MOOS-IvP framework for waypoint navigation and mission profiles.
• Collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams to prototype and test real-world autonomous vehicle scenarios.

LTD Undergraduate Technical Intern

Intel Corporation · May 2023 – Aug 2023

Contributed to performance optimization and process improvements in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

• Improved Green-to-Green levels and increased manufacturing availability.
• Helped streamline preventive maintenance procedures to reduce tool downtime.

Teaching Assistant – Physics Engineering & Robotics

Boston Leadership Institute · Jun 2021 – Aug 2021

Delivered curriculum in physics engineering and robotics to high school students, emphasizing hands-on learning and problem-solving.

Teaching Assistant – Robotics & Engineering

Wellesley High School · Mar 2019 – May 2019

Led hands-on projects in robotics and engineering for 50+ students, improving engagement and learning outcomes.

Cyberforce Competition Participant

National Cybersecurity Challenge

Competed in a cybersecurity competition testing skills in network defense and vulnerability analysis.

Education

M.S. in Robotics & Autonomous Systems – Systems Engineering

Arizona State University · Aug 2025 – Present

Graduate concentration in systems engineering for robotics and autonomy, focusing on system-of-systems design, embedded platforms, and autonomous decision-making.

B.S. in Computer Engineering

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth · Degree received May 2024

Completed undergraduate studies in computer engineering with projects spanning embedded systems, networking, and cybersecurity.

Research & Publications

I’m interested in problems where autonomy, sensing, and systems engineering meet real-world constraints. Recent themes include:

• Embedded environmental monitoring systems for marine robotics.
• System-of-systems approaches for fleets of autonomous vehicles.
• Predictive modeling for energy- and thermally-constrained platforms.
• Cybersecurity considerations for embedded and robotic systems.

Selected Publications

• Design and implementation of the PANTHER in-situ environmental monitoring system for Autonomous Surface Vehicles’ system-of-system paradigm. (2025, in proceedings)
• Predictive Thermal Modeling for a Renewably Powered Offshore AUV Servicing Platform. OMAE2025-152581, 2025 (in proceedings)

Let’s Connect

I’m open to opportunities in robotics, autonomous systems, embedded engineering, and research collaborations. If my work aligns with what you’re building or exploring, I’d be happy to talk.

Email Me LinkedIn GitLab