Okan Arif Güvenkaya
Robotics Software Developer
M.Sc. in Mechatronics, Robotics and Biomechanical Engineering
Technical University of Munich
Focusing on autonomous systems, UAV swarms, and optimization-based motion planning for intelligent multi-agent coordination.
About Me
Robotics master's student at TUM with a strong focus on UAVs, swarm robotics, autonomous systems, reinforcement learning, machine learning and deep learning.
Currently working at Quantum Systems, gaining hands-on experience in UAV swarm coordination and software development.
In parallel, conducting a semester thesis at the Autonomous Aerial Systems Lab at TUM on UAV swarm trajectory optimization.
Research Interests
Education
M.Sc. Mechatronics, Robotics and Biomechanical Engineering
Technical University of Munich
Oct 2024 - Present
B.S. Mechatronics Engineering
Sabancı University
GPA: 3.68/4.00 | Sept 2019 - June 2023
B.S. Computer Science & Engineering
Sabancı University (Double Major)
GPA: 3.58/4.00 | Sept 2020 - June 2024
Research
Optimization-Based UAV Trajectory Planning
Technical University of Munich - Autonomous Aerial Systems Lab
Oct 2025 - March 2026 | Semester Thesis
- Designed and implemented optimization-based UAV trajectory planning methods within safe flight corridors under dynamic feasibility constraints
- Compared STO and MIQP formulations for collision-free trajectory generation with respect to smoothness, feasibility, and runtime
- Proposed a local temporal conflict-resolution method for multi-UAV operations in narrow passages
Technologies:
Local Path Planning with Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance
Sabancı University
July 2023 - Sept 2024
- Engaged in collaborative research focused on path planning for unmanned ground vehicles in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles
- Operating in a dynamic environment, our path planning algorithm integrates both local and global strategies
- Research resulted in conference paper at IEEE IECON 2024
Technologies:
Deep Learning for Bacteria Image Segmentation
Sabancı University PURE (Program for Undergraduate Research)
Oct 2022 - Jan 2023 | Research Assistant
- Performed segmentation and mask operations on bacteria images for the deep-learning algorithm UNET
Technologies:
Publications
Local Path Planning with Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance in Unstructured Environments
Authors: Okan Arif Güvenkaya, Selim Ahmet İz, Mustafa Ünel
IEEE IECON 2024
Projects
Experience
Working Experience
Software Engineer / Swarm Developer
Quantum Systems
Gilching, Germany
Develop and test algorithms for multi-drone operations in complex mission scenarios
Optimize algorithms for overall mission performance including energy efficiency and coordination
Use simulations for rapid development and then deploy to embedded Linux systems
Find solutions in the areas of multi-vehicle routing, scheduling, and data fusion
Integrate code into an existing ROS2 Nvidia architecture for real-time autonomous operations
Technologies:
Engineering Intern
ASELSAN
Ankara, Turkey
Conducted system identification, controller design, and controller application for a 3-degree-of-freedom system named "SATCOM on the Move Antenna System"
Technologies:
Teaching Experience
Learning Assistant - PROJ 201
Sabancı University
Istanbul, Turkey
Mentored students in the Undergraduate Project Course, focusing on "Aerodynamic Optimization of a Racecar Using CFD"
Conducted workshops on 3D CAD and CFD techniques
Learning Assistant - ENS 209
Sabancı University
Istanbul, Turkey
Duties included conducting office hours and providing guidance to students on course materials, assignments, and laboratory work in the Introduction to Computer Aided Draft & Solid course during the summer term
Voluntary Experience
Sabancı University Robotic Club (SURK) - Board Member
Istanbul, Turkey
Organized workshops on Solidworks 3D CAD and robot programming for club members
Sabancı Motorsports - Aerodynamics Department Leader
Istanbul, Turkey
Acted as the Aerodynamics department leader (Sept 2021 - Jan 2022) and a department member (Feb 2020 - Sept 2021) in the Sabancı Motorsports team
Designed and optimized aerodynamic packages, including rear wing and front wing of a race car
Conducted cooling optimization of the battery box design via conjugate heat transfer
Sabancı Aerospace Team - Team Member
Istanbul, Turkey
Collaborated as a team member in the Sabancı Aerospace team for the TEKNOFEST Rocket Competition
Conducted structural, thermal, and CFD analyses of the rocket
MÜDEK - Student Evaluator
Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Engineering Programs
Turkey
Evaluated engineering education programs and accreditation processes
Provided student perspective insights to enhance program effectiveness and ensure standards compliance, including participation in the evaluation of Gaziantep University
Civil Involvement Project - Volunteer
Istanbul, Turkey
Coordinated weekly activities for children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Skills
Programming Languages and Tools
Robotics & AI
Simulation & Design
Languages & Soft Skills
Languages
Soft Skills
Honors & Awards
Dean's High Honor List
Sabancı University
June 2020
Dean's High Honor List
Sabancı University
Feb 2021
Dean's High Honor List
Sabancı University
June 2021
Dean's Honor List
Sabancı University
Feb 2020
Dean's Honor List
Sabancı University
Feb 2022
National University Exam Achievement Scholarship
Sabancı University - $81,000
Rank: 1630th out of 2.5 million students - June 2018
Certificate of Achievement
Sabancı University School of Languages
Public Speaking Course - June 2019
Taken Courses
Technical University of Munich
Advanced Robot-Learning and Decision-Making
Autonomous Vehicles: Motion Planning & Decision Making
Introduction to Deep Reinforcement Learning
Reinforcement Learning for Optimization in Biomechanics
Introduction to ROS (Robot Operating System)
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
Optimal Control and Decision Making
Introduction to Micro Air Vehicles
Robot Motion Planning
Mobile Robotics in Intralogistics
Introduction to Deep Learning
Autonomous Systems
F1TENTH: Autonomous Driving Hands-on
Sabancı University
Autonomous Mobile Robotics
Computer Vision
Introduction to Robotics
Machine Learning
Motion Control Systems
Advanced Vehicle Systems
Digital Image & Video Analysis
Computer Networks
Curriculum Vitae
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I'm always interested in discussing research opportunities, collaborations, or just connecting with fellow robotics enthusiasts. Feel free to reach out!