Nature Inspired Robotic systems have become an indispensable part of critical missions that make them useful in places where normal robots or humans can’t reach, like inside pipes, underwater, or in collapsed buildings.

Bhavik Patel, our next pathbreaker, R&D Specialist (Mechatronics) at Synedyne, is part of the R&D department, that designs and tests advanced control systems used in Automotive applications.

Bhavik talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his PhD on snake robot dynamics and control in uncertain underwater environments. These are special types of robots that move like real snakes, slithering on the ground, swimming in water, and fitting through very tight spaces.

For students, follow a simple approach ; keep building your knowledge in such a way that you can connect what you learn with practical and real-world applications.

Bhavik, can you share your background with our young readerd?

I am Bhavik M. Patel, born and brought up in Vadodara, Gujarat. From my school days, I was always curious about how machines work and loved solving Physics and Mathematics problems. This curiosity led me to study Mechanical Engineering at Dr. S. & S. S. Gandhy Government Engineering College, Surat.

I then pursued my M.Tech in Machine Design at IIEST Shibpur, where I worked on vibrations and control of mechanical systems. That inspired me to go further and do a PhD in Robotics at IIT Guwahati, focusing on the dynamics and control of snake robots in uncertain underwater environments.

Today, I work as a Specialist at Synedyne Systems Pvt. Ltd., where I design advanced control systems that help industries build smarter machines. Apart from work, I love playing badminton, swimming, and chess, and I enjoy teaching school children about technology and its advantages and disadvantages.

What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?

For my graduation, I studied Mechanical Engineering, where I learned how machines are designed and controlled. In post-graduation (MTech), I studied Machine Design and worked on an exciting project about vibrations and chaos in mechanical systems. Later, in my PhD at IIT Guwahati, I focused on robotics, especially how snake robots can move and be controlled underwater, which is a very complex challenge.

What were some of the influences that led you to a career in Mechanical Design/Robotics?

Since school, I enjoyed solving Physics and Math problems. I wanted a career where I could keep solving challenging puzzles but also help society. During my MTech, under the guidance of Prof. Shyamal Chatterjee, I got inspired to do deeper research. Then, while working on my PhD with Prof. S. K. Dwivedy, I realized that research becomes meaningful only when applied to real life. That’s why I decided to enter industrial research, where I could use my knowledge to solve real problems and make life better.

How did you plan the steps to get into your career? Tell us about your career path.

My approach was simple: keep connecting what I learn with real-life applications.

My first step was an internship at GSFC (Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd.), where I saw how theories from books can be applied in industries.

In my MTech, I worked on a project about limit cycles and chaotic oscillations using acceleration feedback. It was challenging but gave me the confidence to solve tough problems.

It was on a theoretical work. The considered mathematical equation of the system was validated on the experiment setup. So, it was the first time when I got the results of new theoretical equation converted to experimental level and verified. 

My PhD at IIT Guwahati on snake robot dynamics and control in uncertain underwater environments allowed me to push boundaries in robotics and intelligent control.

Snake robots are special types of robots that move like real snakes. Just like snakes can slither on the ground, swim in water, and fit through very tight spaces, these robots are designed to do the same — which makes them useful in places where normal robots or humans can’t reach, like inside pipes, underwater, or in collapsed buildings. In my work, I designed and built a small snake robot in the lab and created the brain (control system) that helps it move on its own, even in tricky underwater conditions. We first created a virtual model using computer simulations to test how it would behave, and then made it real — this is called model-based design. While some snake robots are controlled by people, my goal was to make them think and move on their own, just like smart machines. These robots can help in rescue missions, underwater inspections, and even in future medical tools. It’s amazing how we can learn from nature to build robots that help people! You may check my website for the work regarding snake robot. 

Further info: https://sites.google.com/view/bpatel02/home

After that, I joined Synedyne Systems in industrial research, where I now apply my knowledge to create real-world solutions.

At every step, I followed my inner voice to take on real challenges and turn ideas into reality.

How did you get your first break?

I was searching for a research job and updated my skills on LinkedIn. I connected with professionals working in dynamics and control. Luckily, through LinkedIn, I got my first job at Synedyne Systems.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

One big challenge in research is overthinking of the problem. Sometimes I would keep worrying about results and the future. To handle this, I started playing badminton and chess, and practicing meditation. These helped me stay calm, sleep well, and manage stress better.

Where do you work now?

I currently work as a Specialist at Synedyne Systems Pvt. Ltd. The company supplies controllers to the automotive industry. I am part of the R&D department, where we design and test advanced control systems. These controllers are used for the motor control for different automobile applications. For reference you may hyperlink the company website where the product list is there. https://www.synedynesystems.com/ )

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

A very memorable moment was during my MTech project. For the first time, I compared my theoretical work with experimental results—and they matched perfectly! That gave me goosebumps and made me fall in love with research forever.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

At your age, keep dreaming big—whether in sports, art, science, or any field. There is no limit to what you can achieve. If you fail, don’t be upset—just figure out what went wrong and try again. Even if resources are limited, learn to work with what you have. Most importantly, never stop learning.

Future Plans?

In the future, I want to continue solving complex dynamics problems and designing intelligent control systems that can help industries and society in meaningful ways.