About

Michael Gross is a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer with a Master's degree from Arizona State University, specializing in environment-aware robotic systems designed for dynamic and complex settings. His expertise lies in advanced sensor fusion, real-time control, and building modular simulation platforms that enable precise and adaptable robot operation.

He possesses hands-on experience in robotic system development, including designing object-oriented software architectures, leveraging C/Python, and creating custom frameworks for multi-robot coordination. Michael's research and engineering projects have tackled real-world automation challenges, particularly in high-risk, precision-critical environments such as glovebox robotics and rehabilitation devices. He has since applied this expertise in industry, integrating AI-driven perception and motion-planning models into concurrent edge inference deployments for industrial robotic arm control.

Beyond his technical pursuits, Michael is passionate about mentoring young students in STEM, nurturing early interest in engineering through hands-on problem-solving experiences. Outside the laboratory, he enjoys exploring electronics, working on automotive projects, and spending time outdoors.

Experience and Education

  1. Jan – Sep 2026

    Robotics Engineer

    Workr

    Deploying the robotic workforce to the factory floor. Built the application and robotic orchestration layer on edge compute hardware, integrating state-of-the-art motion planning, perception, and closed-loop control into a concurrent, distributed runtime.

  2. Aug 2024 – Jun 2025

    Graduate Research Assistant

    Arizona State University

    Developed digital twin simulation frameworks for constrained robotic environments. Led research on physics-based simulation, computer vision integration, and autonomous manipulation systems. Published thesis work on glovebox digital twins for nuclear and hazardous material handling.

  3. 2023 – 2025

    M.S. Robotics & Autonomous Systems

    Arizona State University

    Graduated with Distinction, Thesis Dissertation on Glovebox Digital Twins, Advised by Dr. Binil Starly

  4. May – Aug 2024

    Research & Development Engineering Intern

    Precision Planting (An AGCO Company)

    Enabling field intelligence across planting and fertilization. Designed lab fixtures on a Stewart platform simulating field grades and extreme field conditions to validate sensor performance and distribution patterns; developed data-cleaning algorithms for optical seeder sensor field data; and built a ruggedized IMU data-capture module to support further product development.

  5. 2020 – 2024

    B.S. Robotics Engineering

    Arizona State University

    Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Minor in Applied Mathematics, Concentration in Mechanical Engineering

Skills

Languages and Protocols

  • Python
  • C/C++
  • Rust
  • MATLAB
  • CAN
  • SPI
  • I2C
  • UART

Frameworks and Tools

  • ROS2
  • MuJoCo
  • Gazebo
  • OpenCV
  • Foxglove
  • Temporal
  • Protobuf
  • Docker
  • Linux

CAD and Fabrication

  • SolidWorks
  • Fusion 360
  • KiCad
  • Cadence

Robot Platforms

  • ABB
  • FANUC
  • UR
  • Vention
  • Elephant Robotics