Astha Kukreja is an accomplished professional, currently serving as a Technical Lead in the Systems Engineering team at Latitude AI, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company in the USA, with a strong focus on autonomous driving technologies. In her pivotal role, she is instrumental in the development of robust safety methodologies and the definition of autonomy behaviour requirements for Latitude’s autonomous systems. Astha’s journey in the autonomous industry began with her prior role as a Senior Software Engineer at Optimus Ride, where her expertise in control systems engineering and robotics led to the development of a motion control algorithm for enabling autonomous driving in various conditions, successfully deploying vehicles for public ride-sharing services. She remains at the forefront of the autonomous driving industry, constantly pursuing innovative solutions to enhance safety, usability, and overall performance in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Before entering the autonomous driving industry, she had a notable role of a Senior Controls Engineer at Rethink Robotics in Boston, working on collaborative robotics. Astha’s expertise in control systems engineering and robotics led to the development of motion control algorithms for autonomous driving in various conditions and software for robotic arms capable of safely lifting heavy loads in manufacturing and assembly lines. These contributions paved the way for increased integration of robots into diverse industries through human-robot collaboration.

Astha’s professional career also included a role as a Senior Controls and Diagnostics Engineer at Cummins Inc., a Fortune 500 company. There, she focused on developing algorithms and testing for the aftertreatment system of diesel engines, resulting in her contribution to a patented innovation with the Cummins team. Her innovation is used on these systems around the world to reduce emissions and make the planet a cleaner place.

Furthermore, Astha has made her mark in academia by publishing multiple scholarly articles in international conferences and high-impact journals as an independent researcher. She currently dedicates her time to volunteering as a reviewer for SAE technical papers and IEEE journals. As a mentor, she has had a significant impact on guiding and inspiring students and peers across various countries. Astha’s extensive expertise spans Control Systems, Robotics, and Systems Engineering, making her a well-recognized and seasoned engineer in the industry. She is a sought-after speaker and session leader at international platforms in the autonomous driving industry.

Astha is a distinguished graduate with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the esteemed University of Michigan, with a specialisation in Control Systems Theory. Her academic and professional path has been pivotal in driving forward the realms of robotics and self-driving car technology. Astha’s work not only exemplifies her excellence but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of autonomous systems and vehicles, promising transformative changes in how we perceive and interact with transportation technology.