CRIS THOMAS

• • Ph.D. in Bio Engineering & Robotics (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) | University of Genova (Italy)

Awarded on April 2022 | CGPA 10.0

2018 to 2021

• • M. Tech in Aerospace Engg with spcl. in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun (India)

95.5% with Univ Rank 1 | CGPA 9.55 

2016 to 2018

• • B. Tech in Electronics & Communication Engg | Saintgits College of engineering, Under M.G. University, Kerala (India)

70.84% | CGPA 7.44

2010 to 2014

• • Class XII (C.B.S.E) | B.M.M, Pampady, Kerala (India)

90.8% with A1 in all Subjects

Class of 2010

• • Class X (C.B.S.E) | B.M.M, Pampady, Kerala (India)

88.0%

Class of 2008 

• • Knowledge and experience in Fixed wing /Multirotor UAV design, development, autonomous control and flying.

  • Knowledge and experience in design and development of Remote controlled ground and aerial vehicles.

  • Knowledge and programming experience in ERP development SAP ABAP ECC 6.0

  • Knowledge and experience in various Programming and Simulation packages such as Python, C/C++, ROS, Gazebo, MATLAB, LaTeX, Git, Docker, OpenCV, MAVSDK, MAVROS, DJI SDK, Drone-kit SDK, Android, DBMS, JAVA , JavaScript, HTML, Arduino, Keil, Embedded C, Micro C, ModelSim, XFLR, PSpice, Proteus, Eagle, Fritzing, Xilinx, Catia v5.

  • Knowledge and experience working with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson, Odroid, ZigBee, PIC, NodeMCU,  various other development modules, and a wide variety of sensors and actuators. 

  • Knowledge and experience working in Linux, Windows, Mac OS, Android.

Worked as an Embedded & Machine Learning Engineer at a leading Drone Solutions Company in Turin, Italy

Object detection, Embedded Machine Learning, Embedded Hardware Acceleration

Robotics, Unmanned Systems, Embedded Systems, AI/ML, Aerospace, IoT

 Journals:

1. A Unifying Task Priority Approach for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Integrating Homing and Docking Maneuvers - JMSE Control, Guidance, Coordination, and Localization of Autonomous Marine Vehicles Special Issue - MDPI 2021 (Link)

2. Design and Development of Multirotor UAV with Automatic Collision Avoidance using Stereo Camera - INCAS 2020 (Link)

 Conferences:

1. Design of Autonomous Unmanned System for Aerial Operations from Underwater Platforms - ASME Gas Turbine India 2021 (Link)

2. Design and Development of an Android Application for Voice Control of Micro Unmanned Aerial vehicles - AIAA Aviation Forum 2019 (Link)

3. Estimation of Lateral Directional Aerodynamic Derivatives from Flight Data of Unmanned Powered Parafoil Aerial Vehicle – AIAA Aviation Forum 2018 (Link)

4. Design and Development of Voice Control System for Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – AIAA Aviation Forum 2018 (Link)

5. Design, Development and Dynamic modelling of Radio remote controlled Unmanned Aero amphibious vehicle - ASME Gas Turbine India 2017 (Link)

6. Estimation of Parameters of Target Using RADAR Data Sets - ICICCD Springer 2017 (Link)

• • Voice Controlled Drone

Institution: Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Internship Type: Summer Internship, Jun 2017 to July 2017

Summary: Design and development an algorithm for controlling drones using voice commands. The algorithm is developed in Python and Android platforms.

Technologies Dealt: Python, ROS, Pocket Sphinx, Android, Node.js, A.R. Drone

• • Design of Autonomous Unmanned System for Aerial Operations from Underwater Platforms

Institution: University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun

Internship Type: Summer Internship, Jun 2018

Funding: Indo US Science and Technology Forum 2017-18, Project ID: - IIGPU400385

Summary: Design and development of a multi-rotor system to be launched from underwater platforms such as submarines to carry out various missions.

Technologies Dealt: Python, C++, ROS, MATLAB, FlytOS, OpenCV, PX4, Git

• • Development of Obstacle Avoidance System for Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Institution: Navstik Labs, Pune

Internship Type: Summer Internship, Aug 2018

Summary: Development of obstacle avoidance system in all major directions for micro unmanned aerial vehicles.

Technologies Dealt: Python, FlytOS, ROS, DJI Guidance System, DJI Matrice 100, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson TX1

• • Last Mile Food delivery using drones

Institution: Breathedigital B.V., Rotterdam, Netherlands

Internship Type: Technical Research Intern / Consultant, Apr 2019 to Present

Summary: Design and development of a multi-rotor system, control station and cloud interfaces for delivering food via air.

Technologies Used: Python, C++, MAVSDK, MAVLink, OpenCV, PX4, Git, QGC

• • AIRLINE RESERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM [2010]

This project focused on developing a simple system that allows efficient management of airline reservation data. The passengers can login and access the available data to reserve new tickets, view available tickets, manage an existing ticket and check airline summary.

Technologies Dealt: C, C++

• • CELLPHONE CONTROLLED ROBOT [2013]

The project is based on a multi-purpose expandable robot car which can be controlled anywhere in the world with the help of a mobile handset. In our project, it provides the advantage of robust control & working range as large as the area of the service provider. This is developed in a view to use for assistance in search and rescue operations.

Technologies Dealt: Embedded C, C++

• • GESTURE CONTROLLED TARGETTING SYSTEM [2014]

This project is based on controlling a robot and a targeting system mounted on it. Both the robot and targeting system are controlled through the gestures of the user detected through the wearable electronics module fitted on hand and forehead. This is developed as a tool for military, enabling a better combat ability and for minimising possible human errors.

Technologies Dealt: Embedded C, C++, Arduino

• • Project ASPIRE - ASSIST IN STRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMMEDIATE RESPONSE [2016]

The project is based on the development and implementation of an industrial drone, which can be used to assess and evaluate an industrial hazard or accident. This helps in reducing the time taken for the response and can minimize casualties and collateral damage.

Funding: University Funding under UPES RISE 2017, Project ID: R201739

Technologies Dealt: Embedded C, C++, Arduino

• • DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUTONOMOUS MULTIROTOR FOR SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE AND PAYLOAD DELIVERY FROM SUBMARINES [2018 Master’s Thesis]

This project dealt with the design, hardware and software implementation of an autonomous multi-rotor to carry out pre-programmed and dynamic missions. Missions particularly involve surveillance, reconnaissance and payload delivery from various underwater platforms such as submarines.

Funding: Indo US Science and Technology Forum 2017-18, Project ID: - IIGPU400385

Technologies Dealt: Python, C++, ROS, Matlab, OpenCV, Raspberry Pi, SONAR, Stereo camera

• • Mobile Adaptable Platform for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles [2017]

Type: IEEE International Sensors and Measurement Systems Student Contest 2018 participant.

Summary: Design and development of a self-leveling platform designed to launch, recover and re-launch VTOL UAVs without the need for human intervention, mounted on a mobile unit.

Technologies Dealt: Catia, SensorTile Kit, Mechanical Platform, Linear Actuators, Android

• • Project ARORA - Autonomous Rover for Rapid Assistance [2018]

Type: Collaborative Project.

Summary: Design and Development of an autonomous ground vehicle that can be deployed on emergency scenarios to gather vital intelligence to plan and strategize response operations in an efficient manner.

Technologies Dealt: Python, ROS, OpenCV, Vision Processing, Obstacle avoidance

• • Project ARIES - Autonomous Response using Intelligence for Emergency Scenarios [2018]

Type: Hackster | ARM Autonomous Robot Challenge 2018 Contest International Participant.

Summary: A system of intelligent and connected autonomous vehicles to support in emergency scenarios and provide immediate response to the situation.

Technologies Dealt: Python, ROS, OpenCV, Android, Git, Pixhawk, Raspberry Pi, Vision Processing, Obstacle avoidance

Awards: Greatest Social Impact Prize (Link 1, Link 2)

• • Augmented Digital Display with Intelligent Commuting and Tracking [2019]

Type: Hackster | NXP Rapid IOT Revolutionize Your IoT Prototyping Contest International Participant.

Summary: The solution employs a smart helmet to provide the rider with all necessary information regarding his ride along with the tracking information via cloud.

Awards: Smart Security/Identification Prize (Link)

• • Automatic Fire Suppression System for EV Batteries [2019]

Type: Hackster | 2019 China-US Young Maker Competition International Participant.

Summary: A smart system that monitors and suppresses any event of fire or damage in electric vehicle batteries.

Awards: Most Practical - US Based Project Prize (Link)

• • Smart Analysis Using Live Usage Statistics [2019]

Type: Hackster | Sigfox Universities Challenge 2019 Competition International Participant.

Summary: Automated usage statistics and surveys using the Sigfox network.

Awards: Hackster Impact Prize (Link)

• • Autonomous Fire Response and Monitoring Unit [2020]

Type: Hackster | HoverGames Challenge 1: Fight Fire with Flyers Competition International Participant.

Summary: Assist in devising solutions to control the fire damage with minimum casualty.

Awards: Bonus Prize (Link)

• • Industrial Environment Monitoring and Control [2020]

Type: Hackster | Machine Learning in the Real World Competition International Participant.

Summary: Monitoring and Control of industrial spaces.

Awards: Business - 3rd Place Prize (Link)

• • Smart Module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring [2020]

Type: Hackster | Transform Your Thinking with ON Semiconductor Competition International Participant.

Summary: An RSL10-SENSE based smart module for Healthcare and Asset Monitoring.

Awards: Runner Up (Link)

• • Smart Band for Monitoring Hot flashes [2020]

Type: Hackster | 2019 China-US Young Maker Competition International Participant.

Summary: A simple and effective smart band wearable device to monitor and track the occurrence of hot flashes.

Awards: Most Creative - US Based Project Prize (Link)

• HoverLive [2021]

Type: Hackster | 2020 NXP HoverGames Challenge 2: Help Drones, Help Others During Pandemics Competition International Participant.

Summary: A high-level framework that incorporates the NXP FMU, NavQ, coral camera, and various Drone APIs into a common framework.

Awards: Bonus Prize (Link)

• HoverDock [2021]

Type: Hackster | 2020 NXP HoverGames Challenge 2: Help Drones, Help Others During Pandemics Competition International Participant.

Summary: A precision landing (docking) technique that allows a drone to land autonomously and safely on static and moving platforms.

Awards: Bonus Prize (Link)

• HoverDrone [2021]

Type: Hackster | 2020 NXP HoverGames Challenge 2: Help Drones, Help Others During Pandemics Competition International Participant.

Summary: Supporting the medical and emergency personnel team with autonomous capabilities to medicine and essential delivery.

Awards: Bonus Prize (Link)

• • JAVA Certified Developer
    Provider: APTECH

  • UAS Remote Pilot Open Category - A1+A3 [GEN-UAS-OPEN-A1+A3]
    Provider: Direction de l'Aviation Civile Luxembourg 

• • Professional Memberships:

AIAA – ID: 762524

IEEE – ID: 92568615

ASME - ID: 102592292 (Reviewer)

IJIRMPS - ID: 301 (Reviewer)

• • Active volunteering and leadership in various technical clubs and professional organisations. 

  • Elected as vice-chairman of IEEE SB, Saintgits. 

  • Organised and conducted various programs and activities for IEEE SB section. 

• • Other Participation:

1. Speaker at 12th Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Congress 2018 - Voice Controlled Drone (Link)

2. Attended International Conference on Robotics and Automation for Humanitarian Applications - RAHA 2016 (Link)

• •  Industrial training and visits: 

    • 1. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Kottayam.

      2. Iga Tech Industrial Electronics Private Limited, Ernakulam.

      3. CoreEL TECHNOLOGIES, Bangalore.

      4. PULSAR Technologies, Bangalore.

      5. Peringalkuthu Power Station, Palakkad.

      6. Prasar Bharati, Alappuzha.

• •  Workshops attended: 

    • 1. Arduino development workshop, TECHNOPHILIA Bangalore.

      2. Microsoft Techdays, IEEE in association with Microsoft India.

      3. Entrepreneurial Workshop, IEEE CEC Satvika 2013.

      4. Add-on course on PSpice Network analysis, Saintgits.

      5. Add-on course on Verilog HDL Simulation using ModelSim, Saintgits.

      6. Add-on course on Xilinx Based FPGA design, Saintgits.

      7. Add-on course on FPGA Based system design, Saintgits.

      8. Add-on course on PIC embedded system design, Saintgits.

      9. Robogear workshop on Arduino development, Infosys Mangalore.

      10. Aeromodelling and quad copter workshop, Aeroclub UPES.

      11. IoT workshop, UPES.

      12. CATIA v5 Training, PST UPES.

      13. ANSYS HFSS Training and Workshop, IEEE UPES.

      14. Android Workshop, Google Developer Student Club UPES.

      15. Ethical, Bioethical and Legal Issues in Bioengineering and Robotics, UniGe.

      16. Model Predictive Control and Applications, UniGe.

      17. Theatrical techniques for Scientific Presentation, UniGe.

      18. Robot programming with ROS, UniGe.

      19. C++ programming techniques, UniGe.

      20. MLCC: Machine Learning Crash Course, UniGe.

      21. Industrial Analytics: Theory and Practice of Learning from Data, UniGe.

      22. Interaction in Virtual and Augmented Reality, UniGe.

      23. Robotic Process Automation webinar, Cognixia.

      24. Arm DevDay workshop, Hackster.

      25. 2019 PX4 Roadmap Webinar, Auterion.

      26. 2020 PX4 Developer Summit, Dronecode.

• • 2018 University Medal Winner (Rank 1).

  • 2017 and 2018 University Scholarship Merit Award Winner. 

  • Certificate of Appreciation for project Submersible Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under DST-Lockheed Martin-Tata Trusts-IIGP 2.0 (IUSTF).

  • Certificate of Achievement and Consolation Prize for Project EARS at My Big Idea Competition Edition 2 by Saintgits.

  • School Proficiency Prize Winner 2002.

  • PCM Certificate of Merit 1998 and 2000.

  • Awarded “Greatest Social Impact Prize" for Project ARIES at Hackster Autonomous Robot Challenge 2018 International competition.

  • Awarded “Smart Security/Identification Prize" for Project ADDICT at Hackster Revolutionize Your IoT Prototyping Challenge 2019 International competition.

  • Awarded "Most Practical - US Based Project" for the project Automatic Fire Suppression System for EV Batteries at Hackster China-US Young Maker Competition 2019 International competition.

  • Active participation in IEEE and elected as vice-chairman of IEEE SB, SAINTGITS.

  • Elected as coordinator of national level project competition ‘SRISHTI’ hosted by SAINTGITS and various national level technical fests hosted in college.

  • Attended and participated in IEEE SATVIKA (WIE Congress) conducted at CEC, Chengannur. 

  • Attended Microsoft Techdays conducted by IEEE in association with Microsoft India.

  • Chief Advisor to Aeroclub, UPES.

  • Active participation in all inter college/university Project competitions, technical and cultural fests.

  • Active participation in various online international project competitions and challenges such as Hackster, Element14, IOT Innovation World Cup etc.

  • Elected multiple times as School House Captain, School Prefect and Class Representative at various levels.

• • Google Glass

  • Avionics Communication Systems

  • Autopilots for Aerial vehicles

  • MQ9 Reaper

  • Median Filter

  • Mathematical modelling of Aircrafts and UAVs

  • Flight against Gravity

1. Lorenzo Rizello, Director of Engineering, Skypersonic, Turin, Italy

2. Dr. Vindhya Devalla, Assistant Professor - Senior Scale, Department of Aerospace, UPES Dehradun, India

3. Dr. Amit Kumar Mondal, Assistant Professor - Senior Scale, Department of Electronics & Instrumentation, UPES Dehradun, India

• • Languages Known:  English, Italian (learning) 

  • Nationality: Indian

• DIBRIS Profile

• Google Scholar

• SciProfiles

• ORCiD / summary

• LinkedIn

• Github

• Twitter

• Hackster.io

• Element14

• ARM Autonomous Robot Competition 2018 Winner

• Instructables

• Arduino Hub