Setting New Industry Benchmarks with his Peerless Passion
“What drives my passion is the constant pursuit of excellence and the desire to make a meaningful impact.” A believer in setting his own goals, Sharath Chander Reddy Baddam, is an industry disruptor whose innovations have revolutionised industrial automation, which is driven by his passion and clear vision.
Born in the small town of Siddipet in Telangana, India, he learned the valuable lessons of perseverance, hard work, and determination from childhood, eventually becoming a recognised expert in industrial automation. Since an early age, Sharath has been enamoured with technology and its boundless power that could transform industries and improve lives. This fuelled him to pursue his degrees in computer science, which led him to follow a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the endless possibilities in IoT, AI, and cloud computing.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in India. Subsequently, he moved to the USA to pursue his master’s degree, which provided him with a strong technical foundation and prepared him for a dynamic career. In his more than a decade-long career, he has led award-winning projects and mentored young engineers, which has been instrumental in his understanding of the importance of innovation and collaboration. He says, “Facing numerous challenges, I’ve learned resilience and the value of continuous improvement. My contributions have resulted in 9 patents, with 12 more pending.”
Regarding his expertise, he says, “My professional portfolio centres around the development of cutting-edge software solutions for industrial automation. The idea behind this venture was to bridge the gap between traditional industrial processes and modern technological advancements. Recognizing the immense potential of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, I aimed to create solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity in industrial settings.”
Sharath is currently working as an R&D Software Project Lead for Rockwell Automation, leading innovative projects that address complex industry challenges. For him, a driving force behind his work is a passion for innovation and a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in industrial automation. This portfolio reflects his technical expertise and commitment to fuelling the industry forward through collaboration and cutting-edge technology.
His professional journey wasn’t a smooth one, as he encountered rapid technological changes, tight project deadlines, and the complexity of managing diverse teams. But he overcame all these hurdles with dedication and diligence. With the rapid changes in industrial automation, he was continuously learning and adapting. He mentions, “Securing patents and maintaining a competitive edge involved overcoming setbacks and relentless innovation. While luck has opened a few doors and provided opportunities, hard work and consistently pushing and challenging myself have led me to where I am today.” Dedication and perseverance have been a cornerstone for him as they aided him in navigating challenges and in continuous improvement.
He finds it a thrill to solve challenging problems and witness the tangible benefits of his work in real-world applications. Staying ahead of the curve, learning new skills, and adapting to changes ensure that his work remains relevant and cutting-edge. Ultimately, it’s the combination of curiosity, the joy of innovation, and the desire to contribute to the advancement of technology that fuels his passion every day.
Sharath has been awarded many accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Stevie award for technology excellence in 2024. Besides this, he has acquired 9 US patents , with 12 more pending, reflecting my his commitment to innovation in industrial automation. He also has over 160 citations for patents. He is a member of the prestigious US Trusted Advisory Group for ISO Subcommittee 184, which plays a crucial role in defining the international standards, guidelines and frameworks that drive the advancement of smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and the digitalization of industrial processes.
He has mentored numerous young engineers, whom he motivates to become the next generation of innovators. In light of this, Sharath remarks, “As a leader, my goal is to create more leaders, not just followers. By nurturing talent, encouraging critical thinking, and providing growth opportunities, I aim to empower individuals to become leaders. This approach ensures sustained success and innovation as empowered leaders drive progress and inspire others.”
Reflecting on his journey from a small town in India to becoming a leader in industrial automation, he says, “I’ve learned that continuous learning and adaptability are key to success. Embracing challenges, staying curious, and being open to new ideas can lead to remarkable achievements. Aligning your work with your passion and values is crucial. When you are passionate about what you do, it reflects in the quality of your work and your impact. Stay focused, stay driven, and never stop innovating.”
