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Hello/Hola

My name is David Valencia. I am a robotics and artificial intelligence enthusiast, born and raised in Ecuador. I hold a PhD from the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

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I describe myself as a hardworking engineer who adapts quickly to new changes, with solid programming skills in Python and ROS, and a fan of development and research with a high dose of innovation.

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My Story

Since childhood, I have been enthusiastic about electronics. This inspired me to pursue a degree in electronic engineering with an emphasis on control systems at the Salesian Polytechnic University in Ecuador. While completing my BSc, I developed a particular interest in robotics and control theory, discovering my passion for research and seeking solutions to complex problems.

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After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I joined the Research and Development Center of the Ecuadorian Air Force as a development engineer. There, I led the National Autopilot Project, collaborating with a team of engineers to develop an autopilot system for unmanned aircraft. Working in aviation has been the coolest opportunity I have ever had.

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In August 2015, I was awarded the KGSP scholarship from the South Korean Government, prompting me to journey across the world to pursue a master’s program in one of the most innovative countries. During this master's program, I honed advanced programming skills (ROS, Gazebo, Python) and gained knowledge in machine learning, computer vision, and control theory. I actively contributed to research projects and publications as a member of the Human-Robot Interaction Laboratory at Kyung Hee University.

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In June 2024, I completed my PhD studies at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, supported by a scholarship from the CARES Lab. During my time there, I cultivated my passion for robotics and advanced my skills in AI and reinforcement learning. My research focused on enhancing robots' efficiency, safety, and precision in real-world applications.

 

My research primarily revolves around optimizing robot efficiency through the integration of robotics with Reinforcement Learning. This blend presents an attractive solution that could accelerate the automation of industrial processes. My research projects typically leverage a combination (though not limited to) of:

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  • Deep Learning

  • Model-Free Reinforcement Learning

  • Robotic Hands

  • Robotic Arm

Research Interests

My research interest includes:

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Reinforcement Learning Control, Machine Learning, Brain-Inspired Algorithms,  Robotic Arms, Deep Learning,  Generative Models. 

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Hobbies

Even though I may not consider myself an expert, I find joy in cycling through mountain trails, hiking whenever the weather allows, and playing tennis. Additionally, I appreciate the soothing ambiance of instrumental music, though I have yet to pick up an instrument myself.

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Contact

I am constantly looking for new and inspiring opportunities. Always open to collaborating on existing projects

 

Let's connect!

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