Eleni Kelasidi

Eleni Kelasidi is a Professor in Field Robotics at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and holds a part-time position as Senior Research Scientist and Head of SINTEF ACE-RoboticLab at SINTEF Ocean. She leads interdisciplinary research bridging robotics and aquaculture, with a focus on autonomous systems operating in dynamic environments.

Her education includes:

• MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of Patras, 2009)
• PhD in Engineering Cybernetics (NTNU, 2015)

Kelasidi's research explores nonlinear control, hydrodynamic modeling of swimming robots, robotic vision, and autonomous navigation. She pioneered robotic applications in aquaculture, establishing the first dedicated robotics lab for this domain. Her work addresses energy efficiency, obstacle avoidance, and real-time decision-making for underwater systems.

Her recent publications emphasize adaptive path planning, aquaculture robotics, and robust autonomy in uncertain environments, reflecting a trend toward AI-integrated underwater operations and industry-driven solutions.

Awards and recognitions:

• FRIPRO-Young Researcher Talent (2020)
• SINTEF’s Outstanding Research Award (2024)

She leads multiple projects including FRIPRO-Young Researcher Talent and EU initiatives, and founded the Autonomous and Robotic Aquaculture Systems Lab (SINTEF ACE-RoboticLab).

Kelasidi collaborates with MIT, ETH Zurich, and industry partners to advance robotic solutions for aquaculture, focusing on net pen inspection, biofouling prevention, and precision fish farming.