Muhammad Imran
Trento,Italy
Summary
Experienced professional in hybrid control and optimization, utilizing Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to enhance constraint management and achieve key performance indicators. Proficient in applying industrial AI for predictive maintenance, defect detection, and workflow optimization. Demonstrated success in developing digital twins and simulation models for assembly lines and logistics, ensuring robust experimental processes. Strong leadership in project management, proposal development, and international collaboration.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Researcher
Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)
Trento, Italy
02.2023 - 12.2025
- Assisted in leading SME survey programme by engaging 34 SMEs.
- Supported the creation of deliverables D3.1–D3.4 and D6.2.
- Contributed to designing and validating DRL/MPC pilots for predictive quality and maintenance.
- Produced reproducible codebases and demonstrators for SME transfer.
- Helped select KPIs for pilot simulations.
- Delivered international training workshops to 45 participants across 3 countries.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement and dissemination for pilot deployment planning across partner institutions.
Technical Consultant
Sapienza University of Rome
, Italy
11.2022 - 01.2023
- Assisted in implementing machine learning and reinforcement learning scheduling solutions for Sesame pilots.
- Supported integration of model predictive control for constraint-aware management in assembly line simulations.
- Facilitated packaging of reproducible experiments and demonstrations for pilot evaluations and partner handovers.
Consultant
Equinox Ecosystem / Teladoc Zurich
, Remote
03.2020 - 12.2022
- Assisted in developing health monitoring systems that support overall wellness initiatives.
- Supported analyses of product-market fit to enhance growth opportunities.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently while ensuring deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained.
Lecturer
University of Lahore
, Pakistan
01.2018 - 11.2019
- Assisted in teaching AI, human-computer interaction, and operating systems.
- Aided in designing outcome-based assessments and blended learning resources.
- Supported the supervision of final-year theses and mentoring of student research projects.
- Provided feedback on student work to enhance academic performance.
- Helped review and revise curriculum to maintain course relevance.
- Managed administrative tasks related to coursework and assisted in streamlining evaluation processes.
- Encouraged a stimulating learning environment through open discussions.
- Collaborated with lecturers to improve teaching procedures.
- Monitored students' progress against educational targets and implemented positive interventions.
- Delivered lectures on complex subjects to aid student understanding.
ROS Ambassador
The Construct Sim
10.2017 - 12.2017
- Supported the organization of robotics meetups and delivered tutorials on ROS.
- Assisted in engaging community members through practical training sessions.
- Contributed to hands-on learning activities for participants.
Education
PhD - Industrial and Information Engineering
Sapienza University of Rome
Italy 11.2019 - 05.2023
MS - Computer System Engineering
GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology
Pakistan 02.2016 - 02.2018
BS - Computer Science
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
Pakistan 02.2012 - 02.2016
Skills
- Hybrid control optimization
- Industrial AI applications
- Digital twins and simulation
- Project leadership
- Education and capacity building
- Technical tools and languages
- Technical project management
- Statistical analysis software
- Research methodology expertise
- Open to feedback
- Ethical conduct
- Electrical engineering concepts
Selected Projects & Funding
SESAME (EU pilot): DRL/MPC pilots for predictive quality and maintenance; validated demonstrators and datasets prepared for SME pilots., MERIT (EU project): WP3 lead (SME surveys), curriculum alignment, Connecting Worlds Academy co-author., PhD Fellowship: Italian Government (2019–2022)., Other awards: MS Fellowship (GIK Institute); National ICT R&D Scholarship; Hackathon Challenge Award; Versus Virus finalist.
Awards & Training
PhD Fellowship — Italian Government (2019–2022), MS Fellowship — Government of Pakistan GIK Institute (2016–2018), National ICT R&D Scholarship — Pakistan (2012–2016), Summer School Winner — Innopolis University (2018), Humanitarian Drone Mission — WeRobotics Academy
Selected Publications (peer-reviewed)
- Parallel Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework for Controlling Industrial Assembly Lines, Electronics, 2023.
- Comparison of Traffic Control with Model Predictive Control and Deep Reinforcement Learning, CoDIT 2023.
- Task Scheduling in Assembly Lines with Single-Agent Deep-RL, CoDIT 2023.
- Aerial Camera Network for Observing Moving Targets, IEEE Sensors Journal. (Full list available via Google Scholar.)
Teaching, Supervision & Outreach
- Lecturer (University of Lahore): course design, assessments, thesis supervision.
- Teaching Assistant (GIK Institute): lab instruction and curriculum materials.
- Organized ROS meetup series and hands-on workshops; mentored undergraduate and visiting PhD students.
- Delivered MERIT policy and skills workshops; participated in ETF events and consortium dissemination.
Professional Service & Expert Activities
- Peer reviewer — UCP Journal of Engineering & Information Technology.
- Deliverable reviewer — MERIT WP5.
- Co-chair & session organiser — CoDIT’23 Special Session “Advanced ICT, Optimization and Control for Industry 4.0”.
- Contributor to ESCO and e-CF alignment activities within MERIT.
Timeline
Researcher
Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)
02.2023 - 12.2025
Technical Consultant
Sapienza University of Rome
11.2022 - 01.2023
Consultant
Equinox Ecosystem / Teladoc Zurich
03.2020 - 12.2022
PhD - Industrial and Information Engineering
Sapienza University of Rome
11.2019 - 05.2023
Lecturer
University of Lahore
01.2018 - 11.2019
ROS Ambassador
The Construct Sim
10.2017 - 12.2017
MS - Computer System Engineering
GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology
02.2016 - 02.2018
BS - Computer Science
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
02.2012 - 02.2016