Mahdi Abolfazli Esfahani

Computer Vision · Machine Learning · Autonomous Systems

I am a researcher and engineer working at the intersection of Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Robotics. My work has focused on turning deep learning and localization & mapping research into deployed, real-world products. As co-founder and Principal Scientist / Head of the Localization and Mapping Team at Venti Technologies (an MIT CSAIL spinoff), I led the design, development, and deployment of the world’s first fleet of Autonomous Prime Movers to match human driver efficiency, operating safely in the mixed-traffic port environment of PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal, Singapore. I hold a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where my research centered on deep learning-based Visual-Inertial Odometry.

For my full background, see the Detailed CV.

Experience

Principal Scientist and Head of Localization and Mapping Team | Co-Founder

VENTI TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD., Singapore | 2021-2026

  • Led cross-functional software and hardware teams to develop and deploy the first generation of Autonomous Prime Movers (APMs) at PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal, Singapore, delivering the world’s first fleet to match driver efficiency while operating safely in mixed-traffic port environments.
  • Collaborated with PSA Singapore stakeholders to define project requirements and deliver on operational objectives.
  • Contributed to Venti being named one of Asia-Pacific’s Most Innovative Companies (2025) by Fast Company.
  • Led development of new technologies for autonomous prime movers for wharf and yard operations, securing multiple patents and achieving live fleet deployment at PSA Singapore.
  • Led the design and implementation of machine learning-based perception systems, including lane and road-marking detection, supporting robust autonomous operations in complex industrial settings.
  • Designed and implemented a high-precision localization and mapping system for APMs, supporting reliable navigation in complex port environments with highly repetitive visual patterns.
  • Played a key role in scaling the company from 1 to 100 employees, driving technical and organizational growth while mentoring and training new team members in Singapore.

Research Assistant

SMRT-NTU Corporation Lab, Singapore | 2020-2021

  • Designed and implemented machine learning models for signal identification and interference detection as part of a project with Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT), with the resulting system used for real-time monitoring and diagnostics of national train signaling infrastructure.

Research Engineer

Nanyang Technological University Robotics Lab, Singapore | 2017-2021

  • Developed a fully end-to-end system that enables various types of robots to navigate autonomously from one point to another, in GPS-denied environments. The project was funded by ST-Engineering.
  • Proposed the first machine learning-based framework for robust position estimation of robots based on a single particular IMU. Presented at the prestigious International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA).
  • Mentored and guided final-year undergrad and master students through their thesis projects.

Honors & Awards

  • Awarded for hosting the best event and team management by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) president, Prof. Subra Suresh, Singapore, 2021
  • Selected as one of the top 200 young scientists from all over the world and awarded a €1000 travel grant to participate in the prestigious Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF 2019), Germany, 2019
  • Shortlisted as Top 6 Data Scientist Students in South East Asia and Pacific by Airliquid, in Future Ready Data Challenge, Singapore, 2018
  • 1st Place, INTUition Hackathon Organized and Judged by Google, Lenovo, Black Rock, IEEE, and NTU, Singapore, 2017 — winning app: Commentinator
  • SINGA Scholarship Award, Won SINGA Scholarship to pursue Ph.D. at Nanyang Technological University (SINGA scholarship was the highest level of scholarship in Singapore supported by the Singapore Science and Research centers), Singapore, 2017
  • 1st Place, Robotica 2017 - 17th Portuguese Robotics Open competition (RoboCup 2D Soccer Simulation League), 2017
  • 2nd Place, RoboCup IranOpen - 12th International RoboCup IranOpen Competitions (RoboCup 2D Soccer Simulation League), 2017
  • FUM Effort Medal , Achieved this medal for my hard-working and managing various societies at FUM, Iran, 2016
  • 1st Place, RoboCup IranOpen - 11th International RoboCup IranOpen Competitions (RoboCup 2D Soccer Simulation League), 2016
  • Best Research Work Award, Facualty of Computer Engineering, FUM, Iran, 2015
  • 3rd Place, RoboCup IranOpen - 10th International RoboCup IranOpen Competitions (RoboCup 2D Soccer Simulation League), 2015
  • 1st Place, RoboCup IranOpen - 10th International RoboCup IranOpen Competitions (RoboCup 3D Soccer Simulation League - Goalie Challenge), 2015
  • 3rd Place, RoboCup IranOpen - 10th International RoboCup IranOpen Competitions (RoboCup 3D Soccer Simulation League), 2015
  • 1st Place, Inatel week of control and atomation (RoboCup 2D Soccer Simulation League), Brazil, 2015
  • 5th - 8th Places, Robocup2015, RoboCup International Competition, 3D Soccer Simulation League, China, 2015
  • 3rd Rank University Team, ACM-International Collegiate Programming Contest Asia Region - Tehran Site as Coach, Iran, 2015
  • 1st and 2nd Places, IEEE Latin American Robotics Competitions (LARC2014), in RoboCup 2D and 3D Soccer Simulation Leagues respectively, Brazil, 2014
  • 2nd and 4th Places , 14th Portuguese Robotics Open competiotion, in RoboCup 2D and 3D Soccer Simulation Leagues respectively, Portugal, 2014
  • 1st , 3rd and 4th Places , 9th International RoboCup IranOpen Competitions, in Goalie Challenge of 3D Simulated Robots, 3D and 2D Soccer Simulation Leagues respectively, Iran, 2014
  • 2nd Place, Traffic Vision Control Competition, Sharif University of Technology, Iran, 2013