Akshay Pai Raikar is a robotics software engineer focused on motion planning and vehicle behavior for Level‑4 autonomous trucks. Based in Austin, he serves as a Software Engineer on Torc Robotics’ Vehicle Intent team, where he designs, implements, and validates highway‑driving policies, and is the team’s leading contributor to intellectual‑property filings. Prior to Torc, Akshay analyzed perception logs and refined state‑estimation algorithms at Arriver Inc., reduced functional‑safety risk for L2 ADAS features at Peterbilt, and led system integration of a prototype fuel‑cell electric truck at Kenworth. His technical toolkit spans C++, Python, ROS 2, CMake/Bazel, GTest, Docker, OpenCV, and PyTorch, complemented by hands‑on experience with ISO 26262 safety processes and CAN‑based diagnostic systems. Akshay holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Robotics & Control) from the University of Washington and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from BITS Pilani, Goa Campus. Outside work, he explores GPU‑accelerated planners, mentors new engineers, and enjoys challenging hiking trails.