About Me
I am an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, where I lead research in robotic grasping and manipulation. My work involves exploring both model-based and data-driven approaches, including Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning, to develop advanced robotic systems.
My background includes a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, and postdoctoral research at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where I focused on developing flexible and robust gripping solutions.
Research Experience
Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur
Assistant Professor (Feb 2025 - Present)
Currently exploring model-based as well as Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning based methods to solve problems in robotic grasping and manipulation.
NIT Allahabad
Assistant Professor (Feb 2023 - Feb 2025)
Worked on the mechatronic design of multi-fingered robotic hands for manipulation research.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Postdoctoral Researcher (Jan 2021 - Dec 2022)
Developed flexible and robust gripping solutions for intended product variation.
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Research Scholar (Ph.D.) (Jan 2014 - Nov 2020)
Developed metrics for performance specification of underactuated hands and performed robotic hand design optimization.
Selected Publications
- Hota, R.K. and Kumar, C.S., 2019. Effect of hand design and object size on the workspace of three-fingered hands. Mechanism and Machine Theory.
- Hota, R.K. and Kumar, C.S., 2022. Effect of design parameters on strong and immobilizing grasps with an underactuated robotic hand. Robotica.
- Liu, G., De Winter, J., Steckelmacher, D., Hota, R.K., Nowe, A., and Vanderborght, B. Syn- ergistic Task and Motion Planning With Reinforcement Learning-Based Non-Prehensile Actions. IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.
- Hota, R.K., Liu, G., Decraemer, B., Swevels, B.. Burggraeve, S., Verstraten, T., Vanderborght, B. and Van de Perre, G., 2024. Automated Grasp Planning and Finger Design Space Search Using Multiple Grasp Quality Measures. Robotics.
Research Interests
Design of underactuated robotic hands, grasp synthesis and analysis, grasp quality metrics, grasping and manipulation, industrial automation, kinematics of robots, optimal mechanism design, Deep learning, Reinforcement learning.
Skills
ROS, Python, MATLAB, Simulink, Solid Works.