R&D/Project Manager and Robotic Systems Engineer

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Nov. 2010  – Present

I am the focal point for R&D and Technology Studies relevant to Robotics and Autonomous Systems including Autonomous Robotic Exploration, Human Collaborative Robotics, Satellites Servicing and Active Debris Removal. I am involved in multiple projects with different roles, spanning from Systems Engineering to Project Management and I am responsible and leader of the Robotics R&D team. My main responsibilities include: Robotic Systems and SW Engineering, Technical and Financial Project Management, Bid and Proposal Management (ESA, ASI, EC FP7, H2020), Procurement, Facilities Design and Scientific Dissemination. My role requires strong involvement and continuous participation to Business Development, Product Development, Marketing and Corporate Communication functions. I am the originator and responsible of TAS-I Robotics Framework, Robotics Laboratory and ROvers eXploration facilitY (ROXY).

Founder and Responsible of ROvers eXploration facilitY (ROXY) and Robotics Laboratory

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Nov. 2011  – Present

Full technical and managerial responsibility of the Robotics Laboratory and Rovers eXploration facility (outdoor Marsyard with Control Room, Workshop, Robotic Research Platforms, Design,  Development, Validation and Verification facilities)

Direct responsibility of Robotics research team including TAS-I Staff, Consultants, Interns, Researchers and MSc students

ESA Eurobot Systems Engineer

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Mar. 2014  – Present

I am the technical reference for all the activities concerning the Eurobot Ground Prototype ESA rover, including relevant projects for ISS experimentation of tele-robotics over Disruption Tolerant Network. I am in charge of technical project management (using scrum agile methodology), sub-contractors management, interface with customer, team leadership, dissemination of scientific and technical results of the project.

Robotics Engineer

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Oct. 2009 – Oct. 2010

I was in charge of the design and integration of the first Robotics R&D TBRA rover and I was designated developer of Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) software modules based on TBRA framework. I was involved in multiple programs and project with Robotic and SW Design, Development and Test responsibilities.

METERON – SUPVIS-E Experiment

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

July. 2014 – Ongoing

(Technical Project Manager, Robotic Systems Engineer and Cost Account Manager)

The project aims to help preparing for future human-robotic exploration missions to the Moon, Mars and other celestial bodies. SUPVIS-E focuses on validation of end-to-end operations concepts and technologies required for supervisory control of a rover from an orbiter. The scenarios will be executed making use of Eurobot, Lander Mockup, a TAS-I Rover and a dedicated Flight MMI and Ground Interfaces which will communicate over DTN network. My main duties and responsibilities are:

§Management of the development team using agile methodologies

§Cost Account Management and Reporting to the programme Manager and the Division Head

§Suppliers and Sub-Cotnractors Management

§Robotic Systems and Software Engineering, Product Life Cycle Management, Support to Project Manager

§Interface with the customer (ESA/ESTEC, ESA/ESOC, B.USOC, Astronaut Crew)

§Cost Account Management

STEPS2 – Rover Surface Navigation

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Jun. 2012 – Jun. 2015

(Project Manager and Robotic Systems Engineer)

The project objective was the implementation of a V&V facility for robotics based on Robotics Framework modular architecture, a fleet of robots and a Mars-analogue field test area with deployable logistics (ROXY). The project demonstrated the capabilities to execute a sample fetching and return mission by one or more rovers at ROXY premises. My main duties and responsibilities were:

§Technical and financial project management using agile methodologies

§Responsibility and leadership of the Robotic Autonomous Exploration Project and project team leadership (3 industrial partners, 3 academic partners, 30 people).

§Robots and SW Design, Development Team selection, coaching and leadership (6 people).

§Design, supervision and responsibility of ROvers eXploration facilitY (ROXY) and Robotics Laboratory.

Robotics Internal R&D

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Jan. 2012 – Ongoing

(R&D Manager and Robotic Systems Engineer)

TAS-I Robotics Framework is based on a core software enabling the control of a generic robot and a hardware platform easing the installation and interface with the specific robotic system (e.g. planetary exploration rover, crew assistant robot). The project is based on previous R&D heritage aiming to evolve the framework prototype to the new product and facility bringing it to market. My main duties and responsibilities are:

§Technical and financial responsibility and leadership of the Robotics Internal R&D and relevant facilities.

§Demonstrator at Thales Technodays 2012 (Palais des Congrès, Paris) and TAS Technodays (Toulouse and Rome), RoboBusiness Europe 2013, TV and press interviews, guided visits to the facilities with demonstrations.

METERON – OPSCOM-2 Experiment

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Mar. 2014 – Oct. 2014

(Robotic Systems Engineer)

METERON (Multi-Purpose End-To-End Robotic Operation Network) is an ESA led international space project for advanced telerobotics technology demonstration involving the International Space Station. OPSCOM-2 is an experiment where the Eurobot will be controlled by an astronaut in ISS by means of MOPS software. As System Engineer, my main duties and responsibilities were:

§Reporting to the Eurobot Program Manager, technical responsibility of the project and supervision of suppliers (1 industry, 1 research institution)

§On-site support to System Verification Tests and Experiment Sequence Test

§On-site support to Experiment execution

Harwell Robotics and Autonomy Facility

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Jan. 2014 – Ongoing

(Study Manager and Robotic Systems Engineer)

The objective is to implement the HRAF core infrastructure and demonstrate, through a pilot project, the value of the facility for the validation of autonomous systems and technologies. This activity is the first in a long-term programme and is funded by the ESA MREP-2 programme and supported by UKSA. As Robotics Engineer I provide the expertise of the prime view on the requirements, design and validation process to be implemented in the facility.

Eurobot Ground Prototype – CARE

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Mar. 2012 – Jul.2013

(Lead Robotics Engineer)

The project objective was to improve the EGP robot and control station leading to increased robustness and reliability of the overall system. The project is a first step to prepare EGP for the METERON program scenario. My main duties and responsibilities were:

§Reporting to the Eurobot Program Manager and the Eurobot System Engineer, technical responsibility of EGP hardware and software upgrades.

§Design of EGP upgrade solutions and sub-contractors supervision (1 industrial partner, 2 academic partners, 15 people).

§Acceptance tests preparation and execution at TAS-I and ESA/ESTEC premises.

XROB – Visual Odometry Breadboards

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Oct. 2010 – Oct.2012

(Lead Robotics Engineer)

In the frame of this technology program two Visual Odometry Bread Boards have been parallel developed by TAS-I and SCISYS. These breadboard have been integrated on the EGP robot for testing and performances comparison.  My main duties and responsibilities were:

§Reporting to XROB Program Manager, technical responsibility of TAS-I Visual Odometry Breadboard design, development integration and test.

§TAS-I Visual Odometry Breadboard Design and sub-contractor development team supervision (2 people).

§Acceptance tests preparation and execution at ESA/ESTEC premises.

§Support to SCISYS Visual Odometry Breadboard design, integration and testing at SCISYS and ESA/ESTEC premises.

RdV&D 3D Camera Technology Trade-off and BB Demonstration

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Apr. 2012 – Present

(Study Manager and Robotics Vision Specialist)

The project objective is to develop a 3D Camera breadboard based on Time-of-Flight technology suitable for a wide range of space applications including Rendez-Vous and Docking (RdV&D), Rover Exploration and Entry Descent and Landing (EDL). My main duties and responsibilities are:

§Mission requirements definition for Rover Exploration and Entry Descent and Landing scenarios.

§Support to Time-of-Flight technology trade-off and selection.

§Definition and supervision of integrated testing on TAS-I Robotic platforms for Rover Exploration scenario.

STEPS – Rover Autonomous Navigation

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Jan. 2011 – May.2012

(Lead Robotics Engineer)

The project objective was the development of innovative rover GNC algorithms to be integrated ant tested on TAS-I Robotics Internal R&D TBRA robotic platforms. The project aimed to demonstrate the capability of exploring a completely unknown environment relying only on rover onboard resources. My main duties and responsibilities were:

§Reporting to the Study Manager, Robot and SW Design and coordination of the Robot Autonomous Navigation Team (3 partners, 12 people).

§Final Presentation and Demonstration to ESA, ASI and Regione Piemonte representatives.

Robotics Internal R&D – TBRA

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Nov. 2010 – Dec.2011

(Lead Robotics Engineer)

The project objective was to improve TBRA modular architecture, relevant GNC algorithms and to implement a robotics laboratory. TAS-I development team supported the integration and test of innovative GNC algorithms developed by STEPS project partners. My main duties and responsibilities were:

§Reporting to R&D Manager, technical responsibility of the development team and robotics laboratory implementation.

VisNav

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Oct. 2011 –Present

(Robotics and Vision Specialist)

The project objective is to design and develop a breadboard of the core components of a vision-based navigation system consisting in an optical camera, an image processing unit and relevant algorithms for Rover and EDL applications as well as the relevant V&V environment. My main duties and responsibilities are:

§Reporting to VisNav Study manager, technical supervision of Joanneum Research partner on rover exploration related activities.

Eurobot Ground Prototype – Joint Mars-Analogue Field Test

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Mar. 2011 – May 2011

(Field Test Engineer)

This project consisted in a joint field test involving EGP robot team and Aouda-X Astronaut Suit team from OEWF. The field test campaign aimed to investigate synergies between the crew (remote control center and astronaut) and the robot, simulating real-like mission conditions and testing the EGP capabilities in the field. My main duties and responsibilities were:

§Field Test Campaign preparation and execution (1 month placement at ESA/ESTEC, Noordwijk, NL and at Field Tests Area in Minas de Rio Tinto, ES).

Eurobot Ground Prototype – End-to-End Test

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Jan. 2010 – Mar. 2010

(Lead Test Engineer)

The Eurobot Ground Prototype (EGP) program objective was to design and develop a crew assistant robot able to operate on a planetary surface either autonomously or cooperating with astronauts. My main duties and responsibilities were:

§End-to-End test preparation and execution (2 months placement at EADS Astrium – Dutch Space, Leiden, NL).

Exomars – Drill Tests

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Dec. 2009 – Mar. 2010

(SW Engineer)

In the frame of Exomars program, 2018 mission foresees an exploration rover equipped with a drilling system capable of acquiring Mars soil samples down to 2 meters below planetary surface. I was part-time involved in the program with the following duties:

§Development of a data acquisition SW supporting Exomars Rover Drill Tests.

Robotics Internal R&D – TBRA

Thales Alenia Space, Torino, Italy

Oct. 2009 – Oct.2010

(Robotics Engineer)

TBRA is based on a modular and flexible software framework where each module implements a key functionality of the rover GNC. My main duties and responsibilities were:

§Design, Development, Testing, of C/C++ SW modules and algorithms on Linux/RTAI and Windows (e.g. 3D Digital Elevation Map Reconstruction by means of Stereo Vision, 3D Laser Scanner and 3D Time-of-Flight Camera; Rover Localization; Path Planning; Traversability; Locomotion; SLAM; Multi-Robot Cooperation).

§Robotic Platforms Setup, Hardware/Sensors Integration, Unit and System Testing.

Soft Skills

§Italian (native), English (full professional proficiency).

§Team leadership, coaching, mentoring, people management, problem solving

§R&D and Software lifecycle management, agile methodologies

§Project management, budgeting, cost control and reporting, procurement processes, bid management, risk assessment, sub-contractors management.

§Business development; customer focus; internal, B2B and B2G communication.

§Capable of working under stress on multiple projects; respect of deadlines and commitments; proactive self-starter.

Technical Skills

§Robotics: robotic systems engineering; robots architectural design; mobile, service and space robotics, modular robotics; active debris removal; in-orbit servicing; manipulation; vision; mapping; localization; human-robot interaction; robotic platforms (MobileRobots PowerBot, Pioneer3-AT and SeekurJr; LEGO MindStorms NXT, Lynxmotion, Schunk).

§Software Engineering: software systems engineering, architectural design, design patterns, networking

§Programming: Proficiency in C, C++ Java (J2SE, Android), Assembler (PIC, dsPIC); Starter in Python, html5, XML, JavaScript. Working knowledge of OpenCV, Pointgrey Research Flycapture and Triclops, Digia QT; Starter in Robot Operating System (ROS), Point Cloud Library (PCL), jQuery, jQueryMobile, Phonegap.

§IDE and Development Tools: Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, Microchip MPLAB, Mercurial SCM/Tortoise Hg, Doxygen, Unity3d.

§Simulation, Control and Data Acquisition: basic knowledge of MatLab/Simulink, NI Labview, NI Labwindows/CVI.

§CAD/CAM: OrCAD/PSpice, PTC ProEngineer.

§IT: Systems and Networks Administration; Windows 95/98/2000/XP/Vista/7/8; Linux (Ubuntu), Linux/RTAI, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project, Visio, Outlook).

§Laboratory: Signal Analysis, Hardware Design, Integration and Test (Robot, Sensors, PCs, PCBs), Thermoforming.

Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering (Robotics & Automation, summa cum laude)

University of Genova, Italy.

2006 – 2009

Thesis:Towards a Bio-Inspired Dexterous Robotic Hand: Methods and Solutions for the Design of Actuation System and Embedded Tactile Sensors.

§Student at 8th International UIJ Robotics School on Rescue Robots (2008), Benicàssim, ES.

§Student with Scholarship at Summer School on Image & Robotics 2008, LESMEA, Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon, FR.

§Student at COGNIRON 2008 Winter School on Human-Robot Interaction, EPFL, Lausanne, CH.

§Student at 7th International UIJ Robotics School on Assistive Robots (2007), Benicàssim, ES.

§Student with Scholarship at 3rd NEUROBOTICS Summer School 2007: Brain-Machine Interfaces, Volterra, IT.

§Visiting Student at ICRA 2007 (International Conference on Robotics and Automation), Roma, IT.

§Visiting Student at HUMANOIDS 2006, Genova, IT.

§Visiting Student at ETHICBOTS 2006, Napoli, IT.

§Attended EURON Roboethics Atelier 2006, Genova, IT.

Bachelor in Computer Science Engineering (108/110)

University of Genova, Italy.

2003 – 2006

Thesis:Project and development of microcontroller modules enclosed in an automatic measure bench remotely controlled through Internet.

Extracurricular Activities:

§Attended “Silicon Valley Study Tour” 2006 – “La Storia nel Futuro”®, Silicon Valley, CA, US.

§Attended “La Storia nel Futuro”® 2nd and 3rd Entrepreneur Culture conferences cycles, Genova, IT.

§Visiting Student at IWUR 2005 (International Workshop on Underwater Robotics), Genova, IT.

Educational Excellence Program in ICT Management

Institute of Advanced Studies in Information and Communication Technologies, Genova, Italy.

2003 – 2009

ICT Management school requiring outstanding curricula, renewed the scholarship for the whole cycle.

Topics: Marketing, Project Management, Business Plan, Economics, Corporate Communication, Robotics, Neurosciences, Nanotechnologies, Interplanetary Missions.

Technical Diploma in Industrial Electronics and Telecommunications (100/100)

I.T.I.S. “G.V. Deambrosis – G.Natta”, Sestri Levante, Italy.

1998 – 2003

Thesis:Project A.C.R.A.B., design of the robot architecture, focused on programming microcontroller and Graphical User Interface.

§IEEE and IEEE-RAS Member since 2007.

§Interests/Sports: role-playing games, LEGO, reading, travelling, scuba diving.