Ridhi Bansal

Enterprise AI, Robotics and Automation professional with a PhD in Autonomous Systems and 10+ years of experience designing, deploying and supporting AI-enabled robotic, autonomous, electromechanical and automation systems across industrial, aerospace, MedTech and research environments. Experienced translating complex AI, automation, digital twin, computer vision and autonomous-system use cases into real-world technical deployments, from technical discovery, solution scoping and system integration through demonstrations, validation, deployment, troubleshooting and optimisation. Combines deep technical expertise in ROS, SLAM, LiDAR and sensor-based navigation, embedded systems, firmware, motion control, perception pipelines, simulation-led validation and hardware-software integration with strong client-facing communication, stakeholder engagement, technical-commercial translation and cross-functional delivery to align advanced AI and robotics capabilities with business impact, scalable adoption and long-term strategic value.

Head of Robotics & Automation – Operations & Technical Delivery Lead at Stellar (2024-01 – Present)

Industrial Contractor – Robotics & Automation Engineering

• Lead robotics design, integration and deployment across automation projects.
• Manage cross-functional engineering teams delivering robotic solutions.
• Conduct robot demonstrations, system validation and operational optimisation.

Robotics Software Engineer at SYOS Aerospace (2024-01 – Present)

Industrial Contractor – Robotics & Automation Engineering

• Developed autonomous navigation and control for robotic marine platforms using Python, MAVLink and ArduPilot.

Animatronics Robotics Engineer at Scruffy Dog (2024-01 – Present)

Industrial Contractor – Robotics & Automation Engineering

• Designed robotic animatronic systems using SolidWorks, Fusion 360 and KUKA robotic platforms.

Electromechanical Specialist – Technical Operations & Validation (MedTech) at DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson MedTech) (2024-01 – 2025-01)

• Led electromechanical design and validation of robotic surgical tools and automated test systems.
• Developed digital-twin simulation models for performance verification.
• Performed system troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across mechanical and electronic subsystems.

Robotics Research Engineer (Postdoctoral) – Industry Collaboration Lead at University of Bristol (2019-01 – 2023-01)

• Developed soft robotic actuators and adaptive robotic systems.
• Designed robotic grippers with Jaguar Land Rover collaboration.
• Contributed to CubeSat robotics projects with RAL Space and Boeing.
• Supervised MSc robotics projects using Python, C++, ROS and MATLAB.

Research Engineer – Medical Technology Automation at NuVision Biotherapies / University of Nottingham (2018-01 – 2018-12)

• Developed machine-learning vision systems to automate tissue grading and improve production efficiency.

Design & Automation Engineer / Manufacturing Supervisor at BHEL & Universal Industries (2016-01 – 2017-01)

• Designed industrial piping and routing systems using SmartPlant 3D and AutoCAD.
• Supervised CNC manufacturing operations and managed a team of 20 technicians.

PhD in Robotics & Autonomous Systems – University of Bristol (2019-01 – 2023-01)

MRes in Robotics & Autonomous Systems – University of Bristol (2019-01 – 2020-01)

BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering – University of Nottingham (2016-01 – 2019-01)