Shiven Patel ’26 Named Fall 2024 Rising Researcher
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Shiven Patel '26 is a computer science major from Gujarat, India, who is developing a robot guide dog to allow visually impaired individuals to navigate the world independently.
What drew you to this field of study?
I was drawn to computer science and robotics through a deeply personal experience. My sophomore year of high school, during a visit to a society for the blind in my hometown in Gujarat, India, I met Anamika, a glaucoma patient who said, "If I had money, I would not have had to see this day." Witnessing firsthand the challenges that underprivileged, visually impaired individuals face in navigating the world without assistance moved me profoundly. Determined to find an affordable solution, I dedicated the next two years to developing SPECULUR, a smart wearable device that alerts users to impending obstacles. Seeing the smile on Anamika’s face when I presented the device to her made me realize the profound impact technology can have on people’s lives.
At UMass Amherst, I’m continuing this journey by working in the Dynamic and Autonomous Robotic Systems (DaROS) Lab, where I’m involved in developing a guide dog robot. We’re enhancing its capabilities by integrating auditory signals into its navigation functions, which could revolutionize how assistive robots interact with their environment. Harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to create solutions that empower individuals like Anamika fuels my passion for this field.
How do you conduct your research?
In my research, I aim to improve the safety of guide dog robots for visually impaired individuals by incorporating audio-based obstacle tracking. This means that, in addition to using cameras or sensors that "see," the robots can also "hear" their surroundings. By detecting and recognizing sounds, the robots can identify obstacles that might be missed due to poor lighting or objects hidden from view. This approach helps the robots make better decisions and navigate more safely, ensuring that they can assist users more effectively in real-world environments.
What do you see as the impact—or potential impact—of your work?
The primary goal of my work is to develop a highly reliable robotic system that can make safe and rational decisions in real-world environments, ultimately helping visually impaired individuals move independently. While this is a challenging problem, I believe that each small step we take brings us closer to making this a reality. I hope that our research will significantly improve the quality of life for those who are visually impaired, giving them greater freedom and autonomy.
Engaging in research has taught me how to tackle challenging, open-ended problems—an invaluable skill that enhances every aspect of my educational journey.
Shiven Patel '26
How does your faculty mentor support your research?
My faculty mentor, Assistant Professor Donghyun Kim, along with graduate student Hochul Hwang, have been incredibly supportive throughout my research journey. Transitioning into research for the first time can be challenging, but they made it a smooth experience for me. They helped me understand that working in a research lab is different from the typical student-professor relationship in a classroom; it’s about carrying the work forward collaboratively. Through our weekly meetings, they’ve guided me in tackling problems, navigating roadblocks, and exploring potential solutions. Their mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my research skills and confidence.
What do you find most exciting about conducting research?
What excites me most about my research is twofold. On a personal level, I thrive on tackling challenging problems and having the freedom to explore all possible solutions using state-of-the-art tools in the lab. But beyond that, what truly drives me through late-night debugging sessions is knowing that my work has the potential to improve someone’s life and bring a smile to their face. From my early days in high school, developing simple spectacles to help the visually impaired avoid obstacles, to now working on the complex task of building a quadruped robot for independent locomotion, I am passionate about making a real difference. In a world full of uncertainties, I am certain that my career path is leading me toward changing the lives of the visually impaired for the better.
What are you most proud of?
My proudest moment so far was presenting my work at the Tapia Conference. It was an incredible opportunity to share my research and receive valuable feedback from experts in robotics. To top it off, I was honored with the Best Poster Award, which reaffirmed the significance of the challenging problem I’m working to solve. This experience not only validated my efforts but also motivated me to continue pushing the boundaries in my field.
How has your research enhanced your overall educational experience at UMass?
My research experience has significantly enriched my education at UMass Amherst. It all began with the Early Research Scholars Program (ERSP), where I first ventured into the world of research under the guidance of Senior Teaching Faculty Neena Thota. Her mentorship was instrumental in navigating this new territory. Continuing beyond the ERSP, I’ve developed technical skills that have directly benefited my coursework. Engaging in research has taught me how to tackle challenging, open-ended problems—an invaluable skill that enhances every aspect of my educational journey.
What are your plans for the future?
In the near future, I plan to pursue a PhD in robotics. I am eager to continue my academic journey, delve deeper into the field, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Ultimately, my goal is to develop technologies that make the world a better place.
Why would you recommend UMass to a friend?
I would wholeheartedly recommend UMass Amherst to anyone considering higher education. As a top-tier research university, it offers a wealth of opportunities across diverse fields—from social sciences and arts to business and sciences. The supportive community and expert faculty have been instrumental in all my endeavors over the past three years. Plus, it’s hard to beat the campus dining, which is ranked No. 1! There’s truly something for everyone here at UMass.
Originally published by the UMass Amherst Office of News & Media Relations.