Hello there! I’m Alp Ortakci, an electric and electronics engineer with a passion for robotics, control and machine learning. Since this domain is quite multi-disciplinary I am quite well versed in different skills related to my work. I usually utilise Python and C/C++ for the software infrastructure and prefer embedded platforms facilitate the control and inference for the agents. I am especially interested reinforcement learning based locomotion control and task distribution in multi-robot systems. I find Gym platforms to be quite unique since they have large potential for sim2real applications.
As these are quite cutting edge technologies, understanding them requires solid knowledge of the fundamentals. During my studies I was especially interested in applied control, devices (micro,nano and quantum devices are highly intervined with sensor technologies) and electronic design (both analog and digital). As it will be made clear in a later section in this page my education througly prepared me in a professional capacity thanks to my great lecturers and my efforts in the University of Southampton. I believe in continous learning thus currently further educating my self on FPGA programming and ROS2.
I aspire to blend the strenghts of project based development and academic research to create technologies that makes a positive impact, blending technical skill with thoughtful design to deliver something both functional and innovative.
I am originally from Turkey, but I decided to persue my higher education in the UK. This enabled me to achieve a unique multi-cultural view both personally and technically giving me the flexibility to conduct analysis from multiple perspectives which enables the delivery of high-quality results, for projects I am part of.
I’m ambitious and goal-driven with a practical reality about situations. This aspect of me showed itself three years ago when I founded the Renewablity and Sustainability Society, RESUS, a green engineering society that undertakes different engineering projects relating solar power, turbine power, electrical vehicles and electrical aviation. My experience with spearheading this effort granted me a much deeper understanding of leadership and project management but also CAD technologies such as SOLIDWORKS and Fusion 360.
I am quite comitted to driving interesting developments in my field and ready to work with excellent individuals in such efforts.
Let’s create something great together!
My Skills #
- Languages & Frameworks: Python, C, C++, MATLAB, SystemVerilog
- Digital Design: ModelSim, Quartus Prime, S-Edit/L-Edit
- Electronic Design: Eagle, Multi-Sim
- Mechanical Design: Solidworks, Fusion360
- Gym Platforms: IsaacGym
- ML Libraries: Pytorch, Tensorflow
- Concepts: Embedded Programming, Motor Control, Sensor Integration, ASM Design, Optimal Control, Model Predictive Control, Iterative Learning Control, Repetitive Control, ML for Vision, RL for Locomotion
Work Experience #
-
Junior Data Scientist
ML, Python, Research
Data Revival - Mar 24 to Jul 24 · 5 months
- Custom Python Library Development for Randomised Molecule Generation
- Experience with High Power Computing for Deep Learning for Molecule Recognition via a variation off DECIMER network."
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Control Research Internship
Control, Python
University of Southampton - Jun 23 - Sep 23 · 4 months
I assisted Professor Chris Freeman and Professor m.c. Schraefel for bio-medical control design:- Established a point based Control and Progression Algorithm for a bio-medical device that aims to facilitate elderly athletes.
- Defined and implemented the necessary output metrics to measure performance of the user.
- Established discrete state transitions Raspberry Pi based embedded system for the usage of the Progression Algorithm.
- Performed Literature Research for a body model based control algorithm that aims to describe the effects of exercise on the individual. (Which includes Fatigue, Cognition and Recovery metrics) and established an initial model in MATLAB.
- Researched and established initial integrations between MuJoCo Physics Engine and MATLAB Simulink for musculoskeletal simulations for the previously mentioned body model.
Volunteer Experience #
Founder and President - Renewability and Sustainability Society (RESUS) - Oct 21 - Mar 24 · 2.6 years
I was the Founding and Elected President of RESUS, I undertaken lead role of many aspects of the society both managerial and technical. Under my leadership we were able to gather more than 140 members who contributed to our projects. Currently I am taking a mentor role as an alumunus. I acted as the technical moderator for the following groups:
- Turbine Division (Currently building 1.5 m long Mini Turbine Alpha)
- Solar Division (Currently building in house capsulated Mini Array)
- Electric Aviation Division ( Currently building Project Sylph, a Solar Powered UAV)
- EkkoTeam (Sustainable Transport Systems Division) (Currently Building a Challenger Class Solar Car.)
- Education, Collaboration and Nuclear Awareness Division
Driverless Developer - Southampton University Student Formula Team - Sep 21 - Oct 22 · 1.2 years
- Researched image segmentation techniques.
- Performed OpenCV based contour isolation based on greyscale colour on static images and dynamic footage.
- Researched SLAM and pathfinding.
UoS3 CubeSat Developer Trainee - University of Southampton Sep 21 - Jan 22 · 5 months
- Trained in development in Linux through WSL2 (Embedded C) for CubeSat (UoS3) and Its ground station.
Education #
MENG Electrical and Electronic Engineering
2018 - 2023
Institution: University of Southampton (UK)
Classification: First Class
Modules #
-
Year 0
Classification: 1st
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Science
- Electricity and Electronics
- Engineering Principles
- Routes to Success
-
Year 1
Classification: 1st
- Programming
- Digital Systems & Microprocessors
- Solid State Devices
- Electric Materials and Fields
- Electronic Systems
- Electronic Circuits
- Mathematics for Electric and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanics
-
Year 2
Classification: 2:1
- Devices
- Power Electronics and Drives
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Design
- Control and Communications
- Digital Systems and Signal Processing
- Power Circuits and Transmission
- Applied Electromagnetism
- Mathematics for Electric and Electronic Engineering Part Two
-
Year 3
Classification: 1st
- PPart III Individual Project
- Engineering Management and Law
- Robotics Systems
- Green Electronics
- Nanoelectronic Devices
- Operational Research
-
Year 4
Classification: 1st
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Group Design Project
- Microsensor Technologies
- Quantum Devices and Technology
- Bio/Micro/Nano Systems
- Biologically Inspired Robotics
- Applied Control Systems
Relevant Courseworks #
- Biologically Inspired Robotics: SHELLY- Submersible Soft-Legged Robot
- ECS Hyper-chip Microprocessor Design
- Smart Meter Design for Microgrid Management
- Fire Alarm System PCB Design
Final Year Projects #
- BEng Dissertation - (Environmental Screening, Intervention, Care System for Forestry): Prototype and Functionality Demonstration of a Relatively Affordable Multi-Agent Robotic System for Environmental Screening on Irregular Terrain
- MEng Final Project - NANA: Low-Cost Autonomous Forest Navigation
Personal Interests #
Outside of work, I like to exercise either by Kickboxing, Fencing or going to the gym. I also enjoy creating multi-media art projects that combines digital art, music and literature. These activities not only help me maintain a balanced lifestyle but also bring fresh perspectives and inspiration to my professional endeavors.
You can always contact me! Visit the Contact page to explore how I can help.