Realizing Full Excavator Automation: How to Find the Perfect Marriage Between Hardware and Artificial Intelligence?
By: Deepx
Tags: Perception, Construction, Robotics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence

Krisheel Chaudhary (Krish) has been researching in the field of recognition x robotics in pursuit of technologies that are truly needed in the real world.

Today, Krish is a recognition and robotics engineer at DeepX, where he plays an active role in combining hardware and software technologies.

From a university lab to a business, we asked Krish, who continues to pursue automation, about the appeal of his projects and the characteristics of his work at DeepX.

Innovation requires both hardware and software technology

What were you studying when you were a student?

In 2012, I went to graduate school in Japan and studied object tracking algorithm development for my master’s degree.

In my doctoral program, I started researching robots that operate in a human-friendly environment, and I have fond memories of participating in various domestic and international robotics contests.

One of the challenges was to develop a system to land a drone on a moving truck. In this challenge, I was responsible for the part of the system that uses image processing techniques to make the drone recognize the condition of the truck it is landing on and the environment around it.

Later on, I was a post-doctoral researcher in the Human Support Robot Research Project. I worked on the development of a support robot for the elderly that could do exactly what we asked it to do when we asked it to “open the refrigerator” or “bring me an apple”.

Again, the system was built using a combination of technologies that we have been studying, including image processing technology.

What made you decide to go into an area of research that combines hardware and software, such as drone operations and robotics development?

My original research was in the field of image recognition and machine learning, more in the software domain.

However, I came to feel that “in order to get these latest technologies to actually work in the real world, you have to have a good combination of hardware technologies, such as mechanical controls.

In modern times, technology in the software domain is developing at a tremendous speed, while the development of technology in the hardware domain has not been able to keep up with the speed of software development, so its deployment in society has been slow. This is a very big problem.

I wanted to solve this problem by myself, so I chose the area where software and hardware intersect.

Why did you decide to work at DeepX?

I saw the potential in our mission to “automate any machine”. There are many processes in Japanese industry that have not yet been automated. Although the degree of difficulty is high, I thought this is an area that will change and grow in the future.

With the experience of participating in various projects since my doctorate, I would like to be involved in the “long-awaited, but not yet realized” automation of the production floor. I decided to join DeepX with this in mind.

Creating new value while combining multiple technologies

Tell us about the work you are currently working on.

I am currently participating in an unmanned autopilot project for hydraulic excavators.

I have two main responsibilities. The first one is the “recognition” part. If the machine can recognize the external environment and the condition of the hydraulic excavator itself, it can perform various actions without human control.

The other one is “System Architecture Design”. This one considers and builds the efficiency of the overall system and the network of systems that communicate and run on multiple pieces of hardware.

To achieve the automation of the desired behavior, it is essential to bring together the components of various technologies, such as control, navigation, and machine learning.

What do you enjoy about your job now?

It’s all very interesting and exciting because it’s a series of challenges to take existing systems and machines and make them new with high-level technology.

For example, in the area of recognition, where I am working, we can create a function that replaces the “human eye” and allows the machine itself to make decisions.

There’s so much reliance on vision for human judgment. It’s not easy to replicate that important vision with technology, but that’s why it’s so exciting.

It’s interesting to think about where to incorporate machine learning techniques while actually working with already existing sensors and other devices. It’s also interesting to combine multiple technological elements to develop new tools.

What do you find interesting about working in a company as you move from the world of academia to the world of business?

It’s interesting that you have to think about multiple perspectives in the project.

When I was a student, I was incessantly pursuing technological growth. But when it comes to business, there are clear deadlines for product development. You also have to think about making a profit and marketing. I think this is the biggest difference.

I also have a better understanding of the cycle of researching the problem, finding out what the needs are, coming up with a solution, and implementing it. It’s interesting to see the real needs of clients and actual users of the product during the development process.

In addition, before you can release a feature, you have to manage tasks while considering various factors such as personnel resources and schedules. That’s why I think it’s a good thing to be able to develop management skills.

Working with members who are motivated to advance the world with technology

How is the working environment at DeepX?

Not only is the subject matter being pursued technically interesting, but the members of the team I work with are also reliable, skilled and great to work with.

Unlike traditional large Japanese companies, I feel that the culture is more flexible and open to conversation.

I think it’s a comfortable place for foreigners to work. Even for those who have not worked in a Japanese company before and are not very good at Japanese, there is an environment where you can work smoothly. It is also very helpful that they support the procedures for working.

What kind of person do you want to work with?

We want people who are willing to work towards the goal of “automating the world” to join us as new members.

DeepX has many employees who not only have great programming skills, but also work with a passionate approach to challenges, and who are unafraid to take risks. Many of them are strong-willed people who want to “do what we couldn’t do before” and “use the power of technology to move the status quo forward as much as possible.

So, while skill level is important, I want people who can take ownership of their work to join us. For example, when a mistake or a problem arises in a project, you need to face the problem and ask yourself, “What can I do to help? And I want to work with someone who can think of a positive solution.

Aiming for a product that is loved by many people

What are your goals for the future?

My goal is to become a trusted leader in the field we are working on now. First of all, I would like to successfully complete my current projects, and then I would like to enhance my business drive so that I can make a big difference in the industry.

What kind of future do you want to achieve with DeepX?

The company’s mission to innovate the world through “the automation of all machines” is, of course, a goal we want to achieve.

In addition to this goal, I would like to focus on the “experience of the DeepX products themselves”. I want to develop products that not only evolve our lives efficiently but are easy for everyone to use and loved by many people.

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