Alexander Besch

Alexander Besch

Graduate Student & Engineering Intern

University of Minnesota

Biography

I am a recent graduate of the Master’s program at the Minnesota Robotics Institute (MnRI) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities where I specialized in robot cognition. My journey in engineering began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution, providing me with a strong foundation in engineering principles and problem-solving.

Currently, I work as a Field Service and Controls Engineer at PAR Systems, where I combine my technical expertise with a hands-on approach to implementing and optimizing industrial automation solutions. This role allows me to bridge the gap between advanced technology and practical application, contributing to the efficiency and precision of automated systems in real-world industrial environments.

My academic and professional experiences have cultivated a deep interest in leveraging advanced technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance industrial automation. During my graduate studies, I explored the transformative potential of LLMs in enabling intelligent decision-making and reasoning within robotic systems. I am particularly fascinated by how these models can interpret unstructured data, integrate with automation workflows, and drive innovative solutions in manufacturing and beyond.

With a focus on the intersection of industrial automation, robotics, and AI, I am driven by a passion for solving complex challenges and advancing the capabilities of intelligent systems. Whether optimizing robotic processes or exploring cutting-edge applications of LLMs, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this exciting field.

Interests
  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Robot Manipulation and optimization
  • LLMs
Education
  • MS in Robotics, 2023 - 2025

    University of Minnesota

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, 2020 - 2023

    University of Minnesota

Skills

Technical
Python
PyTorch
LLMs
C++
Solidworkds
Hobbies
Golfing
Sailing
Fishing
Programming

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
PAR Systems
Field Service Engineer - Life Sciences
May 2024 – Present Shoreview, MN

Responsibilities include:

  • Tested, commissioned, installed, and maintained a variety of automation equipment with a wide array of features including robotic arms, computer vision, servos, and pneumatics
  • Designed documents and executed machine tests to ensure products met rigorous reliability, safety, regulatory, and customer standards
  • Constructed positive relationships with clients and ensured high levels of satisfaction
  • Developed and delivered customized training programs for customers, empowering them to effectively operate and troubleshoot automation systems
 
 
 
 
 
University of Minnesota
Teaching Assistant: Robotics
January 2024 – May 2024 Minneapolis, MN

Responsibilities include:

  • Created, revised, and graded examinations to properly reflect students’ knowledge of course material
  • Conducted lectures to review previous exams and answered questions to promote student success
  • Interacted with students to create a learning environment that fit individual learning needs
  • Assisted professors with miscellaneous work to ensure a well-organized course
 
 
 
 
 
ProKey Facilities
Engineering Intern
May 2022 – May 2024 Plymouth, MN

Responsibilities include:

  • Managed procurement, and installation of mechanical equipment on large scale commercial buildings
  • Designed pre-functional and functional commissioning tests based off controls documentation and schedules for various mechanical equipment
  • Streamlined project management processes using Python and Microsoft VBA
  • Supervised first year intern throughout summer program and provided feedback, and coaching
 
 
 
 
 
Archkey Solutions: Technologies
AutoCAD Specialist Intern
February 2021 – May 2024 Plymouth, MN

Responsibilities include:

  • Facilitated change management through maintenance of AutoCAD blueprint database in conjunction with physical site changes
  • Assisted the planning, logistics, and project management of various multi-million-dollar construction projects from beginning to end
  • Identified equipment needs and procured necessary materials
 
 
 
 
 
United Parcel Service
Delivery Driver Helper
November 2019 – January 2021 Maple Grove, MN

Responsibilities included:

  • Ensured efficient and accurate deliveries while maintaining rigorous workload during peak season while adhering to a strict schedule
  • Communicated with customers regarding questions and concerns in a timely, professional manner
  • Adapted to unforeseen circumstances due to changes in weather, workload, and conditions
 
 
 
 
 
YMCA
Head Lifeguard
January 2021 – January 2018 Andover, MN

Responsibilities included:

  • Coordinated teams of lifeguards during shifts in order to ensure the safety of large numbers of patrons through direct and decisive leadership
  • Interacted with customers and students from many cultural backgrounds and a wide range of abilities in order to teach lifelong skills in and around water
  • Performed other facility responsibilities to maintain adherence to cleanliness and safety requirements

Projects

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Capstone Project: OCR verification of Electrical Schematics in Complex Environments
Leveraging fine tuned models to enchance and streamline verificaiton of electrical schematics. A project done in collaboration with PAR Systems, and the University of Minnesota.
Capstone Project: OCR verification of Electrical Schematics in Complex Environments
LLM Navigation Assistant for the Visually Impaired
Leveraging Generative AI to enhance navigation and environmental awareness for visually impaired individuals through advanced object detection and scene reasoning.
LLM Navigation Assistant for the Visually Impaired
RRT-Connect Maze Solving Turtlebot
Developed a maze-solving robot using RRT-Connect pathfinding algorithm in Python. This project involved simulating the maze environment in Gazebo, calculating precise motor commands, and successfully implementing the solution to navigate the robot through a real-world maze.
RRT-Connect Maze Solving Turtlebot
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe
Artifically intelligent agent optimized for Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe game. This Python project implemented the Mini-Max algorithm with alpha-beta pruning and Monte-Carlo search
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe
3DoF AR Tag Following Robot
Homemade robot with 3 degrees of freedom can track and follow an augmented reality tag. The python program uses the open source opencv arucotag standard and demonstares position-based visual servoing and image-based visual servoing
3DoF AR Tag Following Robot
Rosenbauer RTX Ladder Gantry System
Intelligently designed storage system for ladders on next generation Rosenbauer RTX firetruck.
Rosenbauer RTX Ladder Gantry System
Robotic Tool Sorter
Developed a program to use a Universal Robots UR5 to sort tools. Python program utilizes tensorflow library for deep learning of tool image datasets.
Robotic Tool Sorter

Contact