Portolio of David Elkan-Gonzalez
Optimus Ride
Position: Software Engineer, Robotics
When: April 2019-April 2022
Key Skills: Python, C++, Optimization, GTSAM, LCM, Sensor Integration, Process Management
At Optimus Ride I helped build a safer, more sustainable transit system. Our last-mile electric autonomous vehicles helped connect transit, housing, and key points of interest at our multiple deployments. This helped drive interest in public transit and reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
I was the primary owner of the vehicle calibration process. This process ensures that the data received from our sensors was reliable and could be fused and used for autonomy. Every sensor that gets mounted to the vehicle needs some form of calibration prior to safe vehicle operation, and many need more than one. It is critical to ensure all values are precisely and accurately calibrated to ensure safe vehicle operation. This was my domain at Optimus Ride.
Our version two of the locus bot
On most days at Optimus you would find me working to improve our calibration stack. This could mean performing a research study on a new sensor, reviewing the latest publications on calibration techniques, updating and improving algorithms, writing novel calibration software for a new sensor, or any of many other tasks. The code I wrote and maintained was critical for ensuring our vehicles were safe, and would continue to be safe, for autonomous operations.
My responsibilities were not limited to the calibration software; I also developed and maintain the processes that leverage this software. In this capacity I worked directly with deployed associates, who generally performed the calibrations, to make processes as user friendly as possible. I held regular meetings with stakeholders and track pain points and shortcomings of our processes. These often translate into process or software changes to assist in making the calibration process easy and reliable. As new processes rolled out or new employees are onboarded I provided trainings and documentation to ensure everyone's up to speed.