Michael Makowski

Michael Makowski has a diverse work experience in the automotive industry. Michael started their career at Ricardo in 2010, where they served as a Senior Project Engineer, leading several projects related to vehicle design, analysis, and connected autonomous vehicles. During their time at Ricardo, they worked on developing semi-truck platooning and autonomous vehicle demonstrators. In 2016, they joined Nexteer Automotive as a Senior Systems Engineer, where they focused on innovations and new ventures until 2018. In 2018, Makowski co-founded Traxen, a Michigan-based high technology developer. At Traxen, they worked as the Controls/Systems Team Lead and later became the Director of Controls. Traxen's mission is to improve the trucking industry by utilizing AI, big data, and ADAS/automated features to enhance driving safety, fuel efficiency, and provide meaningful data to trucking fleets. Makowski's expertise lies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, ConvNet vision systems, sensor-fusion, path planning, powertrains simulation and controls, and vehicle dynamics simulation and controls.

Michael Makowski completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan from 2005 to 2009. In 2009, they also participated in a Study Abroad program at Technische Universität Berlin, focusing on Mechanical Engineering. From 2013 to 2017, Michael pursued their Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Control of Mechanical Systems at Wayne State University.