Dhanika Ratnayake—“Robotics is a balancing act”
PhD Candidate Dhanika Ratnayake stands at the forefront of enhancing wheeled robot stability in rugged terrains, likening his field to "a balancing act where each element must harmonize perfectly to maintain stability."
With a robust educational background marked by a profound interest in mechanical and mechatronics engineering, Dhanika's path to robotics was shaped by his familial legacy in academia and a keen interest in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Growing up in Sri Lanka, Dhanika was inspired by his mother, a university lecturer in engineering, to pursue his passion for science. This foundational influence guided him to excel in engineering studies during high school in Sri Lanka and later at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand. There, he completed a rigorous programme in mechatronics engineering, propelling him towards a career that merges the intricate worlds of mechanical engineering, electronics, and control engineering.
Dhanika's academic journey did not stop with his Master’s degree. His curiosity and desire to delve deeper into robotics led him to the Paihau—Robinson Research Institute, where he embarked on a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research under the mentorship of Dr Fiona Stevens McFadden and Dr Christopher Hollitt from the Te Kura Mātai Pūkaha, Pūrohiko–School of Engineering and Computer Science. His research, a critical study on the "Tip-Over Stability of Wheeled Robots in Unknown Rugged Environments," not only aims to enhance robotic stability but also paves the way for safer and more reliable robotic operations in sectors like search and rescue, agriculture, and forestry applications.
Explaining the essence of his work, Dhanika says, "Robotics is like trying to dance on a tightrope where each step is uncertain but has to be perfectly calculated." His work involves an intricate analysis of various factors affecting robot stability, such as centre-of-gravity adjustments, inertial forces, and interactions within a robot's support polygon. By harnessing advanced sensors and deep learning models, Dhanika's research anticipates and mitigates the risks of robot tip-overs, ensuring they maintain their poise on unpredictable grounds.
At the Paihau—Robinson Research Institute, Dhanika enjoys a collaborative environment where his research benefits from the synergy between academia and real-world applications. Reflecting on his experience at the institute, Dhanika notes, "The Paihau—Robinson Research Institute is an ideal place for PhD research. It has university-wide resources at your fingertips, international connections, and a wonderful culture with all the support you can wish for to become successful." His findings have furthered academic knowledge and promise substantial economic benefits by enhancing robotic systems' operational capabilities and safety. Reflecting on the impact of his work, he notes, "The aim is to design robots that can traverse unpredictable terrains with the same finesse as a mountain goat deftly scaling a rugged cliffside."
As Dhanika approaches the culmination of his PhD, he envisions his future in the bustling robotics industry, eager to apply his expertise to innovative start-ups and continue his journey in Aotearoa New Zealand's vibrant tech landscape.
Dhanika's journey from the classrooms of Sri Lanka to the rugged terrains explored by his robotic creations exemplifies a dedication to pushing the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve in service to humanity. His story is not just one of academic achievement but also a profound commitment to the betterment of society through technological advancement, making complex science accessible and relevant to everyday challenges.