Carlos Asmat

I make robots that
work in the real world.

Summary

Carlos Asmat

With a passion for crafting technology that thrives in real-world scenarios, I've been fortunate to be at the forefront of transformative robotic innovations. Notably, designing intuitive interactive behaviours for Softbank Robotics' humanoids, Nao and Pepper.

This foundation paved the way for my leadership role at Piaggio Fast Forward, where I spearheaded the evolution of Gita from a mere concept to a commercial reality in just three years. Gita, a robot designed to be your personal carrier, was a testament to not just technological prowess but also my ability to assemble and nurture high-performing Electrical, Software, and Robotics Engineering teams.

Now, at Dephy, I'm channeling my expertise into the realm of wearable robotics (a.k.a. exoskeletons). I've instilled structure and professional rigor into the software division, and more recently, I've initiated and now lead the Electrical Engineering team. Together, we're on a mission to revolutionize mobility with cutting-edge software and embedded systems for exoskeletons.

Skills

Leadership:

  • Hiring · Mentoring
  • Leading · Managing
  • Presenting · Communication
  • Strategy · Planning · Scheduling
  • Cross-functional Collaboration

Programming:

  • C/C++ · Python
  • Qt · Flutter
  • ROS · OpenCV
  • TensorFlow · PyTorch
  • ARM · Arduino · RPi · Beaglebone
  • HTML · CSS · JavaScript

Engineering Tools:

  • Git · SSH · Bash/Fish
  • Linux · Android
  • Gimp · Inkscape
  • Blender · Solidworks · Fusion 360
  • KiCAD · Altium
  • Mathematica · Matlab

Fluent in:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish

Experience

01 / 2022 - Present

Dephy Inc.: Connected Systems Engineering Manager (Boxborough, MA)

  • Built and nurtured the Electrical Engineering team from the ground up.
  • Fostered growth and development within the Software team.
  • Architected and roadmapped the next-generation embedded controller.
  • Maintained the legacy codebase, ensuring client needs were consistently met.
10 / 2020 - 01 / 2022

Dephy Inc.: Software Engineering Lead (Maynard, MA)

  • Developed embedded software and cross-platform apps to cater to both internal and external clients.
  • Implemented software development best practices, including regular code reviews and CI/CD integration.
  • Evaluated the legacy C code, creating roadmaps to not only support existing contracts but also expand its functionality.
11 / 2019 - 10 / 2020

smoodi: Lead Smart Systems Engineer (Boston, MA)

  • Led the industrialization of smart smoothie-vending machines.
  • Developed the machine's intelligence and control software.
  • Introduced IoT-based monitoring and control features.
  • Oversaw the design of electrical and electronic systems.
  • Seamlessly integrated mechanical, electrical, and software designs.
02 / 2017 - 11 / 2019

Piaggio Fast Forward: Lead Robot Software Engineer (Boston, MA)

  • Led the Robotics Team, emphasizing integration and optimizing Gita for everyday use.
  • Developed algorithms for visual people detection and tracking.
  • Designed Gita's electronic system architecture, readying it for mass production.
  • Contributed to the user-experience design process.
  • Conducted demos and presentations for stakeholders.
06 / 2016 - 02 / 2017

Piaggio Fast Forward: Robot Software Engineer (Boston, MA)

  • Assembled and led a team of electrical and software engineers.
  • Crafted the software and electronic architecture for personal cargo robots, Gita and Kilo.
  • Developed both low and high-level software architectures for autonomous personal robots.
  • Assisted in shaping the interaction and user-experience design of personal robots.
12 / 2013 - 06 / 2016

Aldebaran - Softbank Group: Robot Software Engineer (Boston, MA)

  • Crafted natural and engaging interactions for Pepper and NAO robots.
  • Mentored and trained new team members.
  • Conducted public demonstrations showcasing robot capabilities.
  • Served as the regional technical lead, shaping the software development roadmap.
02 / 2012 - 11 / 2013

Cloud Robotics Hackathon: Co-Founder and Co-Organizer (Montreal, QC)

  • Initiated an annual international cloud-robotics competition to foster robotic application development.
  • Managed event logistics, provided technical expertise, and maintained online presence.
  • Successfully hosted events for two consecutive years, attracting over 200 participants across seven global cities.
03 / 2011 - 11 / 2013

Aldebaran Robotics Developers Program: External Developer (Montreal, QC)

  • Developed applications and autonomous behaviors for the NAO humanoid robot as part of an exclusive partnership program aimed at enhancing NAO's autonomy.
01 / 2010 - 11 / 2013

RobotShop: Project Engineer & Robotics Specialist (Mirabel, QC)

  • Spearheaded various robotics projects.
  • Offered technical consultations on electronic, electrical, and mechanical components.
  • Pioneered the creation of the first social network for robots, enabling remote robotic equipment monitoring and control.
  • Identified and onboarded new robotic products and suppliers for distribution.
  • Authored blog posts on robotics and produced instructional videos.
08 / 2009 - 12 / 2009

CanSat International Inc: Digital Design Engineer (Montreal, QC)

  • Designed and executed digital signal processing systems and modems using FPGA technology.
  • Ensured systems met performance specifications.
04 / 2009 - 04 / 2009

Panaxion: Project Engineer (Montreal, QC)

  • Contributed to the electrical and mechanical design of a paint application system.
  • Supported the mechanical and software design of a paint blending device.
09 / 2008 - 11 / 2008

Group PHB: Surveying Field Professional (Boisbriand, QC)

  • Adjusted aerial images for accuracy and appropriateness.
  • Orchestrated aerial photographic and LiDAR topographical surveys.
  • Operated Vexcel camera, Optec LiDAR, and high-precision GPS units across Quebec and in Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Led a month-long survey mission in Nigeria.
07 / 2007 - 12 / 2007

McGill University: Digital System Design Teaching Assistant (Montreal, QC)

  • Conducted two-hour tutorial sessions for groups of 40 students.
  • Addressed queries and provided guidance on theoretical and hands-on digital system design challenges.

Education

2018 - 2018

Udacity

  • Self-Driving Nanodegree
2013 - 2013

University of Pennsylvania

  • Gamification Class
2011 - 2011

Stanford University

  • Machine Learning Class
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Class
2004 - 2008

McGill University

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering - Control & Automation / Power

Personal Projects

12 / 2019

Love Lantern

  • Developed a pair of IoT lanterns using Amazon AWS and ESP32. When one lantern is touched, the other lights up, aiming to bridge the gap in long-distance relationships.

01 / 2018

Portfolio Builder

  • Crafted a static site generator using Ruby, HTML, CSS, and JS. This tool arranges the content of this resume and populates my personal website, asmat.ca.

09 / 2012

Nao Mind Control

  • Designed a behavior for the Nao robot that interfaces with the Neurosky MindWave Sensor, enabling users to control the robot using their thoughts. Showcased at New York Maker Faire 2012.

08 / 2011

Nao Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock

  • Programmed Nao to play the expanded version of Rock Paper Scissors. The robot interacted with both children and adults at Maker Faire NY 2011, requiring minimal human intervention.

01 / 2010

International Cooperation Trip to Ecuador

  • Led a team of CEGEP IB students on a mission to Ecuador.
  • Constructed and installed a wind power generator in an indigenous Ecuadorian community.
  • Assembled and set up a solar water heater for a local school.

04 / 2008

McGill Autonomous Robotics Team

  • Served as an external technical consultant.
  • Engineered a low-level control system for MARTy, McGill's Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).

07 / 2008

McGill University Lunar Excavator Team

  • Unified the excavator's controllers and sensors onto a single circuit board.

07 / 2001

Virtual EIM

  • Developed an interactive 3D representation of my high school using the Half-Life 3D engine.