Phi Robotics Research

From October to December 2022, I interned at Phi Robotics Research, where I worked on robotics product development in a hybrid setting that combined weekly visits to the Mumbai office with remote work from Pune. The internship involved close collaboration with engineers and researchers and provided exposure to the practical challenges of building and testing robotic systems.

My work focused on assisting with the design, testing, and refinement of robotic components and prototypes. The projects were application-driven rather than theoretical, which required translating technical ideas into workable solutions under real constraints such as time, reliability, and system integration. I was regularly involved in debugging and testing, where small design or calibration issues often had significant downstream effects.

One particularly instructive task involved diagnosing a robotic arm prototype that was not responding correctly to control inputs. The issue required analysing hardware connections, sensor behaviour, and software logic before identifying a sensor calibration error. Resolving it highlighted the importance of systematic problem-solving and attention to detail in complex systems.

The hybrid structure of the internship also demanded a high degree of independence and organisation. On-site days were centred around hands-on work, discussions, and coordination, while remote work required clear communication, planning, and consistent follow-through. This balance helped me develop discipline in managing tasks and collaborating effectively across different working modes.

Overall, the internship provided a grounded introduction to real-world robotics development and reinforced the value of practical experience in complementing theoretical knowledge.