Prem Rachakonda is a mechanical engineer in the Perception Performance for Robotic Systems Project in the Intelligent Systems Division at NIST. His work primarily addresses technical and standardization activities for industrial metrology, industrial automation, autonomous vehicle research, product development and strategic planning. His current research efforts are focused on developing the necessary measurement science to verify and validate 3D vision systems used for manufacturing automation, vision guided robotics and autonomous vehicle applications. Additionally, he has previously worked on developing standards for 3D scanners and developing the technology for achieving nanoscale measurements (Scanning tunneling microscopy). He worked on developing software, hardware, artifacts, and procedures for these projects. His research efforts are now a part of an ASTM standard, 3D point cloud software suites and specifications adopted by a leading 3D scanner manufacturer.
2018 Edward Bennet Rosa Award: The team was recognized for outstanding leadership and technical excellence in initiating and developing performance test methods that have been adopted as international standards for 3D imaging systems used in a wide range of critical applications.