Amruta Velapure

Product design lead for Astro for business

• Mechanical systems integration lead for Amazon Astro (in-home robot) • Led design and development of subsystems, including cameras mounted on extendable mechanism for home monitoring. Designed electromechanical system of camera modules in a space constrained manner with no visible fasteners. Solved challenging structural, cosmetic and thermal issues from concept to production • Designed audio system including omnidirectional microphone array to enable Alexa capabilities on Astro, developed mechanical aspects of audio architecture to meet reliability and ID objectives, mitigated complex rub n buzz issues for entire device via mechanical isolation, noise suppression, also designed buttons and light pipes • Iterated PCBA and interconnects architecture for Astro device to enable modularity for assembly, which improved UPH rate. Led mechanical integration of PCBAs & interconnects for stationary and dynamic cables running from MLBs to systems & mechanisms. Designed PCBA location, connector placement, cable route, fanout, length, bend radius and management to meet reliability requirements • Guided & drove fixture design, manufacturing test set up and assembly flow at CM

Product development • Lead engineer for faucet line extension project, managed engineering design and development through product life cycle, achieved 30% cost reduction by incorporating existing parts and using alternate materials, contributed to project planning by working with cross-functional teams & vendors to meet aggressive timeline • Developed Kohler’s next generation patented spray technology with innovative design that required unique manufacturing process, coordinated supply chain with global vendors to achieve performance within cost target Leadership and Mentoring • Spearheaded CFD simulation analysis as a part of product development cycle, identified the need for simulation, analyzed multiple products across division to improve flow performance, established design guidelines for engineers, mentored overseas CAE group • Founding member of 'Women in Technology' group at Kohler, Group is aimed at promoting professional up-scaling skills among female engineers as a part of diversity and inclusion initiative. Innovation • Promoting Innovation within business group by maintaining idea database, facilitating connect between inventors & tech-experts to develop prototype, building a business case for marketing

Product development • Developed luxurious, high end kitchen faucets by designing parts and assemblies from concept to production, qualified designs through prototyping, performed verification testing, prepared drawings & BOM in SAP, assisted in assembly fixture design, supported production launch • Assisted in development of electro-mechanical touch-less faucet by designing plastic enclosure for sensor circuit board to optimize valve activation and assembly process Leadership and Mentoring • Mentored co-op candidate for smooth navigation through company specific processes

• Designed flow and temperature control feature for a faucet valve, using simulation in Ansys-Fluent and performed validation testing. • Tested and evaluated field failure products, prepared test plans, established assembly specifications and servicing instructions.

• Performed design modifications to Decanter centrifuge separator as per customer requirement, assessed warranty failure, onsite trouble shooting, provided technical support to sales • Analyzed flow characteristics at various stages of Sewage treatment plant and suggested design changes to decanter centrifuge.