# Pranali Desai > Autonomy Software Engineer - Behavior and Path Planning at Torc Robotics | Cuda Developer Location: Sunnyvale, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/pranalidesai As a Software Engineer II at Torc Robotics, I have over four years of experience in behavior and path planning, contributing to developing advanced robotics solutions. With a strong foundation in robotics and expertise in path planning and behavior planning, I focus on creating innovative systems to advance autonomous technology. My work emphasizes fostering collaboration and innovation, including founding and co-chairing the Women at Torc initiative to build an inclusive environment. My goal remains steadfast: to contribute to transformative advancements in robotics that address complex challenges and push the boundaries of automation for a more connected world. ## Work Experience ### Co-Founder @ Robomechtrix Jan 2016 – Present | College Park, Maryland An educative YouTube channel started in 2016 with the central objective to offer minimal time framed videos to make robotics understandable. The channel covers tutorial videos on Robot Kinematics, Arduino and Power Electronics. With around half a million views we aim to grow and spread knowledge by creating tutorials on Perception, Deep-Learning and Path-Planning. ### Software Engineer II - Behavior and Path Planning @ Torc Robotics Jan 2022 – Present Founded Women at Torc - 2022 Co-chair Women at Torc 2022 - 2023 ### Robotics Software Engineer, Motion Planning @ IAM Robotics Jan 2020 – Jan 2021 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Working in the Robot Software Team to develop various features for Bolt Robot Achieved autonomous docking by developing a new state in mobility - Fine Alignment. Implemented Kalman filter to estimate robot pose in relative frame to reduce docking error from 10 cm to 2 cm. Currently working on a new controller which reduces the time to dock by 50\%. Single handedly designed and documented the architecture of autonomy service. Collaboratively developed it by employing pair programming. Upper level states - initialize, run, fault, and numerous tasks - travel, pause, play were created. Added features by extensively creating endpoints for mobility and autonomy using REST API in C++. These features are for both simulation and real world. Increased robustness of autonomy/mobility by continuously tackling test issues. Acted as an intern buddy during summer and assisted them to come up to speed. ### Research Assistant @ University of Maryland Jan 2020 – Jan 2020 | College Park, Maryland, United States Working under Professor Pratap Tokekar on Topological Mapping using constrained Sensor data on Crazyflie Drones ### Intern @ Benchmark Cars Mercedes-Benz Gujarat Jan 2016 – Jan 2016 | Vadodara Area, India Automotive Industry - Control Systems - Observed the workshop and studied about the control systems in electric cars. Submitted a report on controls of electric cars to senior systems engineer in automotive industry. ## Education ### Masters of Engineering in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering University of Maryland ### Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering SRM IST Chennai ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pranali-desai - Portfolio: http://desaipranali.com/ --- Source: https://flows.cv/pranalidesai JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/pranalidesai/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-11