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More About Me!

Experience

Jan. 2024 - Present

ML/CV Research Engineer
Orchard Robotics

  • Constant Training and Deployment of Machine Learning Models for multiple task for identifying objects of interest in image

  • Development of Infrastructure to automate the image sampling, annotation retrieval and model training for continuous deployment across multiple machines.

  • Evaluation of model and parameter tuning for improving model performance.

Jan. 2021 - Present

Graduate Research Assistant
Washington State University

  • Developed a ground-based Multi-sensor data collection system.

  • Autonomous navigation, In-row localization, and precision spraying in an apple orchard.

  • Automated geometrical and spectral feature characterization of apple trees using stereo vision cameras.

  • Development of a Decision support system for customized fertilizer recommendations using Machine Learning.

Aug. 2018 - Dec. 2020

Graduate Research Assistant
Washington State University

  • Calibrated a large volume (20 ft depth) using stereo-vision with two slow-motion Phantom cameras.

  •  Investigated velocity responses, aerodynamic properties, and the effect of the stinger on feathered and synthetic shuttlecocks.

  • Compared responses of different bicycle helmets on NOCSAE and Hybrid III headform using drop tower test.

Nov. 2016 - July 2018

Course Instructor
Himalaya College of Engineering

  • Conducted classes and regular evaluations of students in multiple undergraduate courses

  • Design and Development member of Himalaya EV - an electric go-kart.

Education

2021 - Present

PhD Agriculture Engineering

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I am currently pursuing a PhD in Agriculture Automation from Washington State University. My research focuses on developing machine vision systems and precision management techniques for orchards.

2018 - 2020

MS Mechanical Engineering

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I completed my Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Washington State University where I focused on sports engineering. My research focused on a unique way of determining the aerodynamic properties of a shuttlecock using machine vision.

2018 - 2020

B.E. Mechanical Engineering

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I completed my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Tribuvan University, Nepal at Thapathali Campus. I took several fundamental courses of Mechanical Engineering, with my final years focused on automotive engineering.

Skills & Expertise

Python ••••

MATLAB ••••

C •

C++ •

Robot Operating System •••

Machine Vision ••••

Machine Learning •••

Point Cloud Processing ••••

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Hyperspectral Imaging

RGB-D

Stereoscopic Imaging

LiDAR

Ultrasonic

GPS

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

LaTEX

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Arduino

Raspberry Pi

NVIDIA Jetson Devices

Ubuntu

Mac OS

Windows

  • Reddit

Publications

  • Upadhyaya, P., Karkee, M., Kshetri, S., & Paudel, A. (2023). Automated Lag-phase Detection in Wine Grapes using a Mobile Vision System. Smart Agricultural Technology, 100381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2023.100381

  • Paudel, A., Karkee, M., Grimm, C., Davidson, J. R. (2023). Vision-based Normalized Canopy Area Estimation for Variable Nitrogen Application in Apple. In Smart Agricultural Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2023.100309 

  • Chenchen Kang, Geraldine Diverres, Paudel, A., Manoj Karkee, Qin Zhang, Markus Keller. (2023). Estimating soil and grapevine water status using ground based hyperspectral imaging under diffused lighting conditions: Addressing the effect of lighting variability in vineyards, In Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, Volume 212, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2023.108175

  • Paudel, A., Karkee, M., Grimm, C., Davidson, J. R. (2022). Canopy Density Estimation of Apple Trees. In Sensing, Control and Automation Technologies for Agriculture - 7th AGRICONTROL 2022. Munich; International Federation of Automatic Control. doi:10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.11.126

  • Talebanpour, A, Smith, LV, Paudel, A. (2022) The effect of the head surrogate on the performance of bicycle helmets.  In Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology..  https://doi.org/10.1177/1754337122111879

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Conferences

  • Paudel, A., Brown, J., Biehler, D., Karkee,M., Davidson, J.R., and Grimm, C.,2023.  Multi sensor-based autonomous system for variable rate Nitrogen application in orchards. In Annual Meeting, Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Kennewick, WA

  • Bilal A., A., Paudel A., Khanal S., Shcherbatyuk N., Davadant, P., Karkee, M., Keller, M., Schreiner, P., Kalauni, S., 2023. Nitrogen Assessment in Grapevines Leaves Using Ground-Based Hyperspectral Imaging. In Annual Meeting, Grandview, Washington, Washington State Grape Society.

  • Paudel, A., Karkee, M. (2023). Assessing Temporal Color Changes in Apple Tree Canopies. In Annual International Meeting. Omaha, Nebraska; American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

  • Paudel, A., Karkee, M. (2022). Canopy Density Estimation of Apple Trees. In Annual International Meeting. Houston, Texas; American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

  • Paudel, A., Smith, Lloyd V. (2022). Measuring Shuttlecock Drag in Free Flight. In The Engineering of Sport 14, Purdue University, West Lafayette; International Sports Engineering Association. Link

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Extension Works

  • Paudel,A.,  Kshetri, S., and  Upadhyaya,P.  2023. Robotics in Specialty Crops. MESA–WSU AgAID Research Field Trip, Prosser, WA. October 10, 2023. Time: 15 min. Participants: ~35. 

  • Paudel, A., Brown, J., Biehler, D., Karkee,M., Davidson, J.R., and Grimm, C., 2023. Multi sensor-based autonomous system for variable rate Nitrogen application in orchards, Columbia Basin Tree Fruit Club, November 30, 2023. Participants ~20 (Link)

  • Paudel, A., Ahmed D., Karkee,M., 2023. Field demo of variable rate nitrogen spray system. AgAID Smart Orchard Field Day. Participants ~50 (Link)

  • Paudel A., 2023. Demonstration of autonomous field vehicles for orchards. Master Gardener 50th Anniversary Program. Participants ~ 150 (Link)

  • Paudel A., Upadhyaya P., and Kshetri S., 2023. Discussion around recent research efforts  in automation of different field operations in orchards. Future Farmers of America (FFA). Participants - 6

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Projects Involved

  • Machine vision based nitrogen assessment and application in orchards (Final Report Link p. 85-97)

  • Assessment of Water Stress in Vineyard using hyperspectral images

  • Nutrition Assessment in vineyard using hyperspectral images

  • Green shoot thinning for vines

  • Grape yield estimation and berry tracking

  • Shuttlecock tracking and drag measurement in free air using stereo vision

  • The effect of the head surrogate (NOCSAE and HIII headforms) on the performance of bicycle helmets

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Awards & Recognitions

  • Dissertation Grant, Graduate and Professional Students Association, Washington State University - 2024

  • Scott Betty Lukins Graduate Fellowship - Foley Award - 2023

  • BSE Outstanding Graduate Student Award - 2022-23

  • Biological Systems Engineering Department Travel Award - 2022, 2023

  • Gold Medal for being overall topper among all engineering disciplines - 2016

Leadership Roles

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  • President - Agricultural and Automation Engineering Club - 2022

  • Treasurer - Prosser Graduate Students Association - 2021/22

  • Senator - Graduate and Professional Students Association (GPSA) - 2021/22

  • Secretary - Nepalese Student Association at Washington State University - 2018/19

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