I'm Ben, a Robotics Engineer based in the UK.

I specialise in _

/// Looking for a full-stack robotics expert with both software and hardware skills to join your team? Then give me a shout!
laidback

I'm Ben, a Robotics Engineer based in the UK.

I specialise in _

/// Looking for a full-stack robotics expert with both software and hardware skills to join your team?
Then give me a shout!

About Me

I am a creative, adaptable, and hardworking individual who thrives on solving complex challenges. My career is defined by a successful decade in Entrepreneurship, where I demonstrated the drive and strategic capability to build (and successfully exit) a financial services business from a £5,000 seed investment to a successful enterprise with an annual turnover exceeding £1 million and profits of over £250,000.

After selling my stake in October 2024, I pivoted to fully pursue my deep passion for Robotics. I subsequently committed three years to intensive, full-time study to acquire the comprehensive technical expertise now essential to my professional identity. This dedicated training has led to a mastery of both the theoretical and practical skills required to design, build, test, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions.

My core technical competencies include proficiency in ROS, Python, C++, Machine Learning (OpenCV, TensorFlow), Embedded Systems, SLAM and Navigation, Real-to-sim, NVIDIA's Isaac Suite, and a deep understanding of Robot Kinematics, Manipulation, Path Planning, and Perception. Furthermore, I have attained a HNC qualification in Mechanical Engineering, ensuring my technical application is grounded in solid mechanical and mathematical principles. My portfolio showcases my ability to translate these advanced concepts into tangible, working robotic systems.

In addition, I founded and currently run the Warwickshire Robotics Society (a community of robotics enthusiasts who meet to network, share ideas, and collaborate on projects) and sit on the board of The Leamington Highline (a community project to convert the disused railway viaducts into shared spaces) where I perform an advisory role on technical and commercial matters.

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Skills

Robotics & Technical Skills
  • ROS / ROS2 + Associated Ecosystem
  • Mechanical Engineering (HNC Qualified)
  • Python, C++, and Node.JS
  • Computer Vision (inc Open CV)
  • Machine Learning (inc Tensorflow)
  • Robotics Simulation (Gazebo, RVIZ, URDF, Xacro)
  • NVIDIA Isaac Suite & Associated Software
  • CAD (OnShape, Fusion360, Blender)
  • Motion Planning (Moveit2)
  • SLAM & Path Planning (Inc. Nav2)
  • Kinematics & Control Principles
  • Microcontrollers & Edge Computing
  • Multi Machine Comms & Networking
Soft & Other Skills
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Scaling & Growing Businesses
  • Leadership & Strategy
  • Business Operations
  • Financial Management
  • Project & Change Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Creative Design
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Sales Management
  • Website Design & Development
  • Car Restoration

... and always learning!

Portfolio

...
Slambot (Real)

A slam-enabled, Nav2 enabled, four-wheeled, diff-drive custom robot (the real physical thing) with lidar, camera, wheel encoders, and IMU sensor.

  • Date: Oct 2025 - Dec 2025
  • Tech: ROS2, ros2_control, motor drivers (written in c), PID control, Electronics, Hardware, Sim to real, Sensor Fusion Etc.
...
Slambot (Sim)

A slam-enabled, Nav2 enabled, four-wheeled, diff-drive custom robot (running in simulation).

  • Date: Sept 2025 - Oct 2025
  • Tech: ROS2, Gazebo, RVIZ, OpenCV, Slam, Nav2, Sensor Fusion Etc.
...
Onshape To Robot Workflow

My workflow for designing robot on OnShape, using 'onshape-to-robot' to export to URDF + amendments to turn into a Xacro enabled structure, with Lidar, Camera, Gazebo Plugins & custom launch files.

  • Date: September 2025
  • Tech: ROS2, Gazebo, RVIZ, OpenCV, OnShape, PID Controllers
...
QR Code Mazebot

Robot which drives round a maze (using wall-following algorithm) and uses OpenCV to read QR codes for directions.

  • Date: September 2025
  • Tech: ROS2, Gazebo, RVIZ, OpenCV, OnShape, PID Controllers
...
Custom Gazebo Models

A video on my workflow for creating custom Gazebo models with textures.

  • Date: September 2025
  • Tech: ROS2, Gazebo, RVIZ, OpenCV, OnShape, PID Controllers
...
Basic RC Robot

Sends commands from an Arduino Joy Stick via a local ROS2 program to a RaspberryPi on the robot via Wifi.

  • Date: Feb 2025
  • Tech: ROS2, Arduino, SSH, Wifi Control, Multi-Machine Comms (RMW Zenoh)
...
Obstacle Avoider 1.0

A simple obstacle avoider using ultrasonic sensors, PID control and an Arduino.

  • Date: Jan 2025
  • Tech: PID Controllers, Ultrasonic Sensors, Servo Motors, Arduino

Qualifications & Certificates

Description Institution Year Grade (click to view evidence)
LLB Law (Bachelors) Degree Queen Mary University London 2012 First Class Honors + Principal's Award For Academic Excellence
CF1 Financial Services, Regulations & Ethics Chartered Insurance Institute 2013 Pass With Distinction
Further Mathematics For Engineering Pearson 2024 Pass With Distinction
HNC Mechanical Engineering Teeside University 2025 Pass With Distinction
Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design University of Leeds (via Coursera) 2024 Passed (Non-Graded)
Arduino (Object Oriented) Udemy 2024 See Certificate
Complete C++ Course Tim Buchalka's Programming Academy 2025 See Certificate
ROS2 Level 1 Course Edouard Renard (Udemy) 2025 See Certificate
ROS2 Level 2 Course Edouard Renard (Udemy) 2025 See Certificate
ROS2 Level 3 (Advanced) Course Edouard Renard (Udemy) 2025 See Certificate
ROS2 Nav2 Course Edouard Renard (Udemy) 2025 See Certificate
ROS2 Control Course Edouard Renard (Udemy) 2025 See Certificate

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