Romwald Lihakanga
Edinburgh,UK
Summary
Engineering leader with expertise in team leadership and strategic development of technical roadmaps. Proven success in coordinating cross-functional R&D efforts, managing projects, and overseeing stakeholder engagement. Proficient in developing AI-driven sensing systems and embedded systems architecture using C, C++, and Python. Experienced in RF communication systems, multi-protocol integration, and hardware design, including PCB design and low-noise data acquisition systems.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Advanced Sensing Engineer – Team Lead (Sensor & Sensing Systems)
Crover Ltd
Edinburgh
2022.01 - 2026.01
- Lead the design and industrialisation of next-generation sensing systems for autonomous robotic platforms operating in bulk grain environments.
- Architect AI-enabled sensing technologies delivering real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.
- Lead embedded firmware development (C, C++, Python) and system integration across hardware and robotics platforms.
- Design and validate low-noise data acquisition systems to enhance signal integrity and measurement precision.
- Implement Design for Manufacturing (DfM) processes to improve scalability and reduce production risk.
- Oversee PCB design, prototype build, debugging, and performance optimisation.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration between hardware, software, and robotics teams to accelerate product cycles.
- Establish calibration and validation frameworks ensuring reliability in harsh industrial environments.
- Impact: Delivered commercially deployable sensing platforms improving system intelligence and operational reliability.
Head of Section – Electronics & Instrumentation
Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology
2013.01 - 2018.01
- Provided operational and academic leadership for the Electronics & Instrumentation Section.
- Led staff coordination, workload allocation, and performance oversight.
- Modernised laboratory infrastructure and improved equipment utilisation.
- Strengthened quality assurance and examination moderation systems.
- Spearheaded curriculum reform aligned with competency-based and industry standards.
- Impact: Improved operational efficiency, academic delivery, and technical capability across the department.
Hardware / Software Design & Development Engineer
Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology
2009.01 - 2018.01
- Designed and delivered embedded electronic systems supporting research, institutional, and industrial applications.
- Developed custom electronic hardware from concept to validation.
- Designed embedded firmware and integrated multi-protocol communication systems (GSM, BLE, WiFi, LoRa).
- Produced structured functional specifications, procurement documentation, and validation reports.
- Conducted system audits and implemented technical improvements to increase performance and reliability.
- Led PCB schematic capture and layout using Altium and KiCad.
- Managed component sourcing and prototype lifecycle processes.
System Engineer / Project Lead
Hexatech Company Tanzania Limited
2008.01 - 2009.01
- Delivered electronic and communication infrastructure projects within scope and schedule.
- Supervised site engineering teams and managed system installation and commissioning.
- Conducted system surveys and implemented performance optimisation strategies.
- Managed client engagement and technical reporting.
Signals, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineer
Tanzania Prisons Service HQ
2003.01 - 2008.01
- Directed maintenance and operational readiness of RF communication systems (VLF, HF, VHF).
- Designed power supply units and deployed solar energy systems.
- Managed laboratory operations and supervised technical personnel.
- Led installation and commissioning of mission-critical communication infrastructure.
Education
PhD - Sensors and Systems
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, UK 2018.01 - 2022.01
MSc - Electronic Product Design
University of Glamorgan
UK 2011.01 - 2012.01
BEng - Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology
Dar Es Salaam 2005.01 - 2009.01
Full Technician Certificate - Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology
Dar Es Salaam 2000.01 - 2003.01
Skills
- Cross-Functional R&D Coordination
- Design for Manufacturing (DfM)
- AI-Driven Sensing Systems
- Embedded Systems Architecture (C, C, Python)
- Multi-Protocol Integration (GSM, BLE, WiFi, LoRa, XBEE)
- PCB Design (Altium, KiCad)
- Low-Noise Data Acquisition Systems
- Prototype Development & Debugging
- System Integration & Validation
- Advanced Test & Measurement (Spectrum, Network Analyzer, Oscilloscope)
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
PhD Research – Wireless Sensor Networks, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK | 2018 – 2022, Designed and validated a novel wireless sensor network for dynamic monitoring of building material variations., Engineered embedded sensing platforms integrating RF systems and data analytics., Built and tested multi-layer PCB prototypes and optimised firmware performance., Published peer-reviewed research and presented at international conferences.
Affiliations
- Graduate Engineer – Engineers Registration Board (ERB Tanzania)
- Member – Institute of Engineers Tanzania
- Member – IEEE
Accomplishments
Grants and Funded Projects
Innovate UK | Ref: 10151851
Biomass Guardian: Autonomous Robotic Monitoring and Management of Bio-based Bulk Solids and Powders
Period: Apr 2025 – Oct 2025
Amount: £99,954
Link: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10151851
TMF | Ref: 10123944
Revolutionising Post-Harvest Crops Management: Unlocking the Potential of AI-Driven Autonomous Operation of Grain-Swimming Robot
Period: Jul 2024 – Mar 2025
Amount: £99,740
Link: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10123944
Innovate UK | Ref: 10089327
Advancing the boundaries of grain sampling: A robot for the autonomous, safe and representative sampling of grain bulks
Period: Feb 2024 – Jan 2025
Amount: £222,832
Link: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10089327
Innovate UK | Ref: 10084535
Improving the resilience of cereal grains and oilseeds in storage and transportation via next generation Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Period: Dec 2023 – May 2025
Amount: £334,787
Link: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10084535
Innovate UK | Ref: 10081082
Feasibility study of remote autonomous operation of grain-swimming robot
Period: Aug 2023 – Feb 2024
Amount: £49,743
Link: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10081082
Innovate UK | Ref: 10034539
Journey to the center of the bulk: A platform for the monitoring and management of bulk solids and powders
Period: Aug 2022 – Feb 2024
Amount: £346,040
Link: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10034539
ISCF | Ref: 10028248
Grain lab on a robot: Autonomous, miniaturised and high-precision in-situ measurement of advanced grain parameters
Period: Mar 2022 – Sep 2023
Amount: £366,074
Link: http://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10028248
Timeline
Advanced Sensing Engineer – Team Lead (Sensor & Sensing Systems)
Crover Ltd
2022.01 - 2026.01
PhD - Sensors and Systems
Heriot-Watt University
2018.01 - 2022.01
Head of Section – Electronics & Instrumentation
Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology
2013.01 - 2018.01
MSc - Electronic Product Design
University of Glamorgan
2011.01 - 2012.01
Hardware / Software Design & Development Engineer
Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology
2009.01 - 2018.01
System Engineer / Project Lead
Hexatech Company Tanzania Limited
2008.01 - 2009.01
BEng - Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology
2005.01 - 2009.01
Signals, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineer
Tanzania Prisons Service HQ
2003.01 - 2008.01
Full Technician Certificate - Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology
2000.01 - 2003.01