Daniel Sotelo Aguirre

Robotics Engineer

Driven by passion and results, with a proven track record of turning theory into practical solutions, strong leadership skills, and a relentless focus on advancing robotics for real-world applications.

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Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
LinkedIn
Daniel Sotelo

Education

–

Dual MSc in Robotics and Industrial Engineering
Technical University of Madrid

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Visiting Student Researcher in Computer Vision
Tokyo Institute of Technology - Miura Lab

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Erasmus+ in Mechanical Engineering - Robotics and ML
UCLouvain

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BSc in Mechatronics Engineering
Public University of Navarre

Experience

– present

Robotics Software Engineer
Technology Innovation Institute

Highlights

  • Working on humanoid robotics within the Humanoid Robotics Team: C++, Python, ROS/ROS2, Gazebo Sim, etc.

–

Robotics Research Engineer
Centre for Automation and Robotics (CSIC-UPM)

Highlights

  • Developed, implemented and tested both in simulation and real hardware a NMPC controller in a 18-DoF quadruped manipulator. Also worked on vision and planning modules. The developed architecture enables whole-body planning, end-effector motion tracking, and stability under force disturbances.
  • Designed and built a complex 6-DoF social robot from scratch, focusing on mechanical systems, actuator, and sensor integration. Developed low-level firmware (C++) and high-level software (Python) using modular architecture with Docker and RabbitMQ. Deployed a fully functional prototype, optimizing for interaction and environmental sensing in real-world applications and built ROS 2 packages for Gazebo Sim simulation.

–

Research Assistant
Tokyo Institute of Technology

Highlights

  • Developed and tested a C++ online inference program for deep learning-assisted laparoscopic surgery with the purpose of enhancing surgical precission through real-time forceps identification and AR support.
  • Achieved a 20% increase in inference speed with respect to original Python program.
  • Awarded the UPM Scholarship to conduct research at Miura Lab under SERP program.

Awards

XXI Technology Innovation Award

Award for the best Master’s Thesis in engineering, recognizing innovation in science and technology.

Extraordinary End-of-Masters Award

Recognized as the top 1 among 40 students in the master’s program.

National Finalist Global Management Challenge Spain 2022-2023

Led my team to the top 8 out of 427 groups in the world’s largest strategy and management competition.

Extraordinary End-of-Degree Award

Recognized as the top 1 among 119 students in the bachelor’s program.

Navarre Baccalaureate Extraordinary Award

Recognized as the top scientific baccalaureate student in Navarre.

Bronze Medal in XXIX Spanish Physics Olympiad

Recognized for outstanding performance among national participants.

Languages

Spanish (C2)
Fluency: Native speaker
English (C1)
Fluency: Full professional proficiency
French (B2)
Fluency: Professional working proficiency
German (A2)
Fluency: Elementary proficiency
Italian (A2)
Fluency: Elementary proficiency

Skills

Soft Skills
Keywords:
  • Strong Communicator
  • Teamwork
  • Analytical Decision Making
  • Creative Problem Solving
Programming Languages
Keywords:
  • C++
  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • TeX
Industry Software Skills
Keywords:
  • ROS / ROS2
  • Gazebo
  • Linux
  • Git
  • MATLAB and Simulink
  • PyTorch
  • Autodesk Inventor
  • SolidWorks
  • AutoCAD

Interests

Robotics and AI
Keywords:
  • Robotics
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Optimal Control
  • Nonlinear Control
  • Computer Vision
  • Machine Learning
  • Natural Language Processing
Space and Physics
Keywords:
  • Space Exploration
  • Rocket Science
  • Theoretical Physics
Other
Keywords:
  • Travelling
  • Hiking
  • Oil Painting
  • Drawing
  • Table Tennis
  • Padel
  • Martial Arts
  • Fishing

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