Parag Batavia

Parag Batavia is an Adjunct Instructor at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute. He is a roboticist and entrepreneur with extensive experience spanning both academia and industry. His career includes roles as CEO and Founder of Neya Systems, Director of Projects and Operations at Applied Perception Inc. (API)/QinetiQ North America, and Commercialization Specialist at CMU's National Robotics Engineering Center.

Dr. Batavia earned his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute in 1999 with a dissertation on "Driver Adaptive Lane Departure Warning Systems." His interest in robotics began during high school in the late 1980s while working with Hero Heathkit robots, setting him on a trajectory toward his current career.

Dr. Batavia's research focuses on robotics, particularly off-road autonomy and manned/unmanned teaming. His work addresses the unique challenges of outdoor navigation in difficult terrains where traditional rules of the road don't apply. He has developed expertise in path planning, obstacle detection, and sensor fusion for autonomous systems operating in environments ranging from construction sites to military applications. His approach emphasizes practical solutions for real-world robotic navigation challenges across diverse outdoor conditions.

Dr. Batavia's publication record spans from 1998 to 2013, showing a clear evolution from automotive safety systems to broader robotics and autonomy applications. His early work focused on lane departure warning systems, while his later research shifted toward off-road autonomy, path tracking in challenging environments, and robotic systems for military applications like the CANINE robotic mine dog.

• Developed extremely high accuracy path tracking systems (2-3 cm precision) for hydrostatic skid-steer platforms and automated golf course mowers
• Created autonomy solutions for the Family of Integrated Rapid Reconnaissance Equipment (FIRRE) program for the Army
• Built a full autonomy software stack at API, including low-level drivers, path planning, and perception systems
• Pioneered technology for manned/unmanned teaming, enabling robots to follow soldiers and participate in military formations

Dr. Batavia founded Neya Systems in 2009, growing it into a successful robotics company that was acquired in 2017. His entrepreneurial journey demonstrates a successful transition from academic research to commercial application of robotics technologies. He currently shares his industry experience as an Adjunct Instructor at CMU, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world robotics applications.

Dr. Batavia is associated with the CMU Center for Autonomous Vehicle Research, where his expertise in off-road autonomy and manned/unmanned teaming continues to influence research directions. His industry experience provides valuable perspective for students interested in both the technical and business aspects of robotics innovation.