IKERLAN S.COOP
UPV / EHU
Erasmus Mundus Scholar
Sebastian
Rojas-Ordoñez
PhD Researcher & Mechatronic Engineer
I research and build systems at the boundary between simulation and reality — designing FMI/FMU co-simulation architectures validated in high-fidelity environments, then deploying them as real-time ROS 2-based autonomous systems. At IKERLAN and UPV/EHU, my work directly addresses industrial reliability challenges in cyber-physical systems.
Alongside my research, I bring hands-on engineering depth: embedded AI inference on edge hardware, model-based design with MATLAB/Simulink and Modelica, and full robotic system integration from sensing to actuation. I hold dual master's degrees in Mechatronics (Erasmus Mundus EU4M) and Artificial Intelligence.
Core Toolchain
ROS 2
NVIDIA Jetson
ONNX Runtime
Python
C++
Linux
Docker
Gazebo
SolidWorks
FMI
FMI / Modelica
MTL
MATLAB / Simulink
LV
LabVIEW
Research
Published contributions in model-based engineering, edge AI, and intelligent control systems.
Cognitive Digital Twins for Autonomous Robotics: A Systematic Review
In Preparation
Systematic review of 121 studies establishing a unified conceptual framework for Cognitive Digital Twins in autonomous robotic systems. Synthesizes approaches across robust localization, navigation, and manipulation, identifying open challenges toward self-aware robotic agents.
Plug-and-Play LLM Knowledge Extraction for Robot Navigation
Published
Fine-tuning-free edge framework deploying Large Language Models on NVIDIA Jetson-class hardware for autonomous robot navigation via zero-shot prompt engineering. Demonstrates real-time LLM inference fully offline on resource-constrained hardware, with no cloud dependency.
Natural-Language Relay Control for a SISO Thermal Plant
Published
Proof-of-concept coupling an LLM to an industrial relay controller for a SISO thermal plant. Validated against a conventional hysteresis controller, demonstrating viability of LLM-based control in cyber-physical systems with natural-language setpoint specification and explainable decisions.
Integration of Physical and AI Models Using Open and Interoperable Standards
Conference
Presents an architecture for integrating physical simulation models with AI components using open interoperability standards (FMI/FMU). Demonstrates how model-based design tools (OpenModelica, MATLAB/Simulink) and AI inference pipelines can co-simulate within a unified, vendor-neutral framework for industrial cyber-physical systems validation.
Research Interests
Digital Twins & Co-Simulation
FMI / FMU architectures
AI + physical model integration
Industrial CPS validation
Distributed simulation
Edge AI & Embedded LLMs
NVIDIA Jetson deployment
Offline · cloud-independent
ONNX · TensorRT inference
Zero-shot LLMs
Autonomous Navigation
VIO · LIO · SLAM
Knowledge-augmented nav
GPS-denied environments
Dynamic scene understanding
LLM-Augmented Control
LLMs in control loops
Natural-language setpoints
Explainable decisions
Cyber-physical systems
Open Interoperability
FMI · Modelica standards
MATLAB/Simulink · OpenModelica
Vendor-neutral frameworks
Multi-tool co-simulation
ROS 2 Architecture
Composable node design
Safety-aware systems
Real-time industrial apps
Human-robot interaction
Engineering
Systems designed, built, and delivered — from funded R&D platforms to academic mechatronic projects.
Systems & Deliverables
Digital Twin Validation Platform
Funded R&D
Problem
Validating industrial CPS requires costly and time-consuming physical prototyping.
Solution
FMI/FMU co-simulation environment connecting MATLAB/Simulink, OpenModelica, and LabVIEW in a vendor-neutral distributed architecture with cloud integration.
Outcome
Active in Elkartek AUTOTRUST and SENDOA R&D programs at IKERLAN. Published at the 16th International Modelica & FMI Conference.
IKSAFECOLAB — Collaborative Mobile Robot
Delivered
Problem
Unsafe and manual dish collection in industrial canteen environments.
Solution
Mobile platform with collaborative robotic arm, ROS 2-based autonomous navigation, safety-aware architecture designed for future human-robot collaboration.
Outcome
Fully operational autonomous demonstrator deployed at IKERLAN. Architecture enables seamless upgrade to collaborative operation.
Edge AI & LLM Inference Pipeline
Active Research
Problem
Autonomous robots need AI-augmented decision-making without cloud connectivity or expensive hardware.
Solution
ONNX-optimized neural networks + zero-shot LLMs deployed on NVIDIA Jetson as ROS 2 composable nodes, fully offline.
Outcome
Sub-10 ms inference latency for perception tasks. Validated in two peer-reviewed publications (MDPI MAKE 2026, Applied Sciences 2025).
5-DoF Bioinspired Prosthetic Hand
Social Impact
Problem
Commercial prosthetics are inaccessible for children at Teletón rehabilitation centers due to cost.
Solution
Bioinspired simulation and mechanical design of a five-degree-of-freedom prosthetic hand, optimizing for low cost, ergonomics, and functional independence.
Outcome
Design contributed to Teletón rehabilitation program (Tamaulipas, Mexico). Demonstrates mechatronic design and human-centered engineering capability.
3-DoF Tic-Tac-Toe Robot Arm
Best in Program
Problem
Design and build a complete 3-DoF robotic arm capable of playing tic-tac-toe, within a €150 budget and 4-month timeline.
Solution
Hybrid CNC-machined aluminum + 3D-printed PLA structure, DC motors with absolute encoders, computer vision via endoscopic camera, and MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape model-based control with PID tuning and inverse kinematics algorithms.
Outcome
Faculty award: "Best project to have passed through the master's degree" — for technical results and team dynamics. Robot demonstrated publicly at a local school. Team of 6, Universidad de Oviedo, 2023.
3D-Printed Three-Finger Gripper
Academic
Problem
Design a functional multi-finger gripper using only additive manufacturing and off-the-shelf components.
Solution
Crank-rod mechanism activating three fingers via a servomotor-driven rotating plate. SolidWorks CAD with topology analysis for weight reduction, fully 3D-printed PLA structure with commercial fasteners.
Outcome
Functional prototype validating low-cost additive manufacturing for mechatronic end-effectors. Documented with full technical report covering design rationale, assembly, and testing.
Biomechanical Simulation of Bicycle Pedalling
Academic
Problem
Quantify how saddle height and crank dimensions affect joint loading, pedalling efficiency, and injury risk in cyclists.
Solution
Five-bar linkage biomechanical model of the pedalling mechanism implemented in MATLAB for kinematic animation and full dynamic simulation, sweeping saddle and crank parameters across the ergonomic design space.
Outcome
Identified saddle-crank configurations minimising peak joint torque and maximising power transfer — with direct applications in sports performance and rehabilitation engineering.
Control Board — Feedback TRAINING Unit
Embedded Systems
Problem
Implement precision position and speed control for a Feedback training apparatus with multiple configurable PID modes.
Solution
Custom PCB integrating microcontroller, signal amplification, and Feedback equipment interface. C-language firmware with several pre-configured discrete PID regulators for different operational modes, programmed via PICkit.
Outcome
Fully validated on the training unit — end-to-end embedded work from hardware schematic design through firmware tuning to real-world closed-loop performance testing.
Technical Skills
Robotics & Autonomy
ROS 2
Gazebo · Isaac Sim
Navigation Stack
OpenCV
SLAM · VIO · LIO
Model-Based Engineering
FMI / FMU
Modelica · OpenModelica
MATLAB / Simulink
Simscape
LabVIEW
Edge AI & Machine Learning
ONNX Runtime · TensorRT
LLM Integration
Deep Learning
Computer Vision
Programming
Python · C++
C · MATLAB
PLC · Arduino
Docker · Linux · Git
Mechanical & Electronic Design
SolidWorks
ANSYS · Abaqus
AutoCAD
Proteus · EasyEDA
Languages & Soft Skills
Spanish (Native)
English (C1)
Portuguese (B1)
German (A2)
Agile · Scientific Writing
Background
Academic formation, professional trajectory, and distinctions.
🇨🇴
Popayán, Colombia
Unicomfacauca
2014 – 2019
B.Sc. Mechatronic Engineering
Outstanding Graduate
Outstanding Graduate
🇪🇸
Asturias, Spain
Universidad de Oviedo
2022 – 2023
EU4M · Erasmus Mundus
Automation & Mechatronics
Automation & Mechatronics
🇩🇪
Karlsruhe, Germany
Hochschule Karlsruhe
Feb – Jul 2024
EU4M · Micro & Nano Technology
Robotics & Automotive
Robotics & Automotive
🇨🇴
Colombia (Online)
UNIR
2020 – 2022
M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence
Deep Learning & Computer Vision
Deep Learning & Computer Vision
🇪🇬
Giza, Egypt
Nile University
Sep 2023 – Jan 2024
EU4M · Control Systems
Factory & Process Automation
Factory & Process Automation
🇪🇸
Arrasate, Spain
IKERLAN · UPV/EHU
2024 – Present
Research Engineer · PhD
FMI · ROS 2 · Edge AI
FMI · ROS 2 · Edge AI
Professional Experience
Aug 2024
Present
Research
Present
Research Engineer — Embedded Electronic Systems
IKERLAN S.COOP · Arrasate, Euskadi, Spain
Develops FMI-based co-simulation environments and distributed architectures for industrial CPS validation. Active contributor to Elkartek-funded projects AUTOTRUST and SENDOA.
FMI / FMUROS 2
MATLAB/SimulinkOpenModelica
AUTOTRUST · SENDOA
Feb 2024
Jul 2024
Internship
Jul 2024
Master Thesis Researcher — IKSAFECOLAB
IKERLAN S.COOP · Arrasate, Euskadi, Spain
Designed and delivered the first autonomous version of the IKSAFECOLAB demonstrator: a mobile platform with a collaborative robotic arm for safe HRI in industrial canteen environments.
ROS 2Safety SystemsMobile Manipulation
Feb 2021
Aug 2022
Teaching
Aug 2022
Instructor & Robotics Team Director
PIA Salesian Society · Arrasate, Spain
Led the robotics and technology team. Taught programming, software development, electrical systems, and hardware maintenance to apprentices.
Nov 2017
Feb 2018
Research
Feb 2018
Research Engineer — Assistive Technology
Teletón Children's Rehabilitation Centers · Tamaulipas, Mexico
Led design of low-cost adaptive cutlery and simulation of a 5-DoF bioinspired prosthetic hand for children with disabilities.
ProstheticsAssistive TechSocial Impact
Education
Sep 2024
Present
Doctoral
Present
PhD in Control Engineering, Automation and Robotics
Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) · Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Research on cognitive digital twins, advanced control, and trustworthy edge AI for autonomous systems.
Digital TwinsControl EngineeringEdge AI
Sep 2022
Sep 2024
Erasmus Mundus
Sep 2024
M.Sc. Mechatronic Engineering & Micromechatronics Systems
EU4M Consortium · Spain · Egypt · Germany
Recipient of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (EACEA, European Union). Joint degree across three partner universities.
Hochschule KarlsruheFeb–Jul 2024 · Karlsruhe, DE
Micro & Nano Technology, Robotics, Automotive Engineering
Nile UniversitySep 2023–Jan 2024 · Giza, EG
Control Systems, Factory and Process Automation
Universidad de OviedoSep 2022–Aug 2023 · Asturias, ES
Automation, Mechatronics, Programming
Erasmus Mundus ScholarshipEU4MSpain · Egypt · Germany
Sep 2020
Nov 2022
Master's
Nov 2022
M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence
La Rioja International University (UNIR) · Colombia
Thesis: CNN architectures for diabetic retinopathy classification. Covered deep learning, computer vision, NLP, and robotics.
Deep LearningComputer VisionNLP
Feb 2014
Dec 2019
Bachelor's
Dec 2019
B.Sc. in Mechatronic Engineering
Unicomfacauca University Corporation · Popayán, Colombia
Outstanding Graduate. Thesis: multispectral image analysis for water-stress detection in crops.
Outstanding GraduateMechatronic DesignIndustrial Automation
Honours & Awards
Outstanding Graduate — Mechatronics Engineering Program
Unicomfacauca University Corporation · Popayán, Colombia
Oct 2023
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Awardee
EACEA — European Education and Culture Executive Agency, European Union
May 2022
Director, Robotics & Technology Team
PIA Salesian Society · Arrasate, Spain
Nov 2021
XV SEMATRON Speaker — Mechatronic Engineering Research
University of São Paulo · São Carlos, Brazil
Jun 2019
Software Registration — Remote Monitoring System for Greenhouse Crops
Reg. 13-74-24 · Unicomfacauca University Corporation
May 2019
Contact
Open to research collaborations, industry R&D partnerships, and opportunities at engineering-focused organizations.
Primary Email
sebastianrojas.sero@gmail.com
Academic address at UPV/EHU. Best for research and collaboration inquiries.
Location
Arrasate, Euskadi
Basque Country, Spain. Open to on-site, hybrid, or relocation for the right opportunity.
Academic & Professional Profiles
Languages
Spanish
Native
English
C1 — Advanced
Portuguese
B1 — Intermediate
German
A2 — Elementary