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For Sarthak Shirke, Systems and Control is about much more than understanding how machines work. It is about learning how to approach uncertainty, break down complex challenges, and turn ideas into real-world solutions. Today, as an Application Research Engineer at Nipper B.V., he applies that mindset every day while developing autonomous mobile robots for industrial environments.  

Originally from Mumbai, India, Shirke discovered his passion for Systems and Control during his bachelor's studies in Mechatronics. While Control Systems was one of his strongest subjects academically, it was the ability to use mathematics to influence and control the behaviour of machines that truly captured his interest. When exploring master's programs around the world, Eindhoven University of Technology stood out for its renowned Systems and Control group, strong links with industry, and location within one of Europe's leading technology ecosystems. For someone fascinated by robotics and real-world engineering challenges, Eindhoven felt like the ideal place to continue his academic journey.  

What made the program particularly distinctive for Shirke was its focus on connecting theory with practice. Rather than simply teaching mathematical models and control techniques, the program encouraged students to question assumptions, develop a deep understanding of complex systems, and explore how theoretical concepts can be applied in real-world situations. One of the most memorable experiences was the Integration Project, where students worked on a ball-and-plate system and implemented different control strategies learned throughout the curriculum. For Shirke, it was a defining moment in which concepts from multiple courses came together and demonstrated their value in a tangible engineering application.  

His thesis proved equally influential. Working as a researcher gave him the freedom to investigate new ideas, challenge his own assumptions, and develop solutions through experimentation and iteration. Under the guidance of supervisor dr. ir. Jos Elfring, he learned that engineering is not always about immediately knowing the correct answer, but about understanding how to systematically find it. This ability to analyse unfamiliar problems, remain resilient when solutions are not obvious, and continue exploring until clarity emerges has become one of the most important skills he carried into his professional career.  

Today, Shirke works at the intersection of robotics, control engineering, and industrial innovation. At Nipper B.V., he contributes to the development of autonomous mobile robots by tackling challenges related to simulation environments, control systems, robot reliability, and industrial automation. The technical foundations he built during courses such as Mobile Robot Control, Embedded Control Systems, Multibody and Nonlinear Dynamics, and System Theory for Control continue to support his daily work. More importantly, the master's program taught him a structured way of thinking that allows him to move from I don't know why this is happening to Let's understand the system and find out. Looking back, Shirke credits the program with giving him confidence, resilience, and perspective, qualities that have shaped not only his career as an engineer but also the way he approaches complex challenges in life.