Hydrus, the fully submersible drone used for undersea research, surveys and exploration.
In school, Akshat thought he wanted to be a police officer.
But as he delved deeper into policing, he became fascinated with forensics.
During his research into forensics, Akshat discovered the amazing technologies used by forensic scientists in their daily work.
This ignited his curiosity about technology.
At this point, Akshat's dream career involved working with drone technology.
So he studied maths, physics and chemistry at high school.
This led him to studying Computer Systems Engineering at Edith Cowan University.
In this course, students learn all aspects of computing, from the development and application of individual microprocessors to the design of personal, mainframe or supercomputer systems.
Importantly for Akshat, they also learn about robotics, and software engineering.
Never one to sit still, Akshat became the founding president of the Engineers Australia Student Society while at university.
He was also a peer mentor at ECU's School of Engineering, helping first-year students with their transition to uni life.
These extra responsibilities helped Akshat develop other skills, like time management and communication, to complement his growing technical expertise.
Computer Systems Engineering graduate, Akshat Sharma working on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle in his ECU student days.
Delving even deeper
Today, Akshat is exploring the depths of the oceans in his role as an application engineer at artificial intelligence-based robotics company Advanced Navigation.
The company develops inertial navigation systems and robotics technologies for sea, land and air.
Akshat is in tech heaven!
"I get to test and support state-of-the-art technology, including our untethered and fully autonomous underwater robot, Hydrus," Akshat says.
Hydrus is a fully submersible drone used for undersea research, surveys and exploration.
Using its clever onboard engineering and technology, Hydrus gathers all kinds of high-resolution data in the ocean.
That includes monitoring coral reefs, capturing underwater cinematography or inspecting offshore wind turbines.
Great career advice
So, getting back to the importance of problem-solving and perseverance, both key traits of creative thinkers in any industry.
Akshat says the ability to persist through setbacks, adapt strategies and analyse problems from various angles has proven invaluable to him in his career.
His advice to aspiring robotics engineers?
"Build a range of skills beyond just technical expertise and stay curious!"
If you're curious about technology and science, you should start by exploring STEM courses at ECU.
