Carsten Behn is a Professor at Hochschule Schmalkalden, specializing in Engineering Mathematics within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. He holds a habilitation from TU Ilmenau in biologically inspired motion systems and has served as a lecturer at Hochschule Merseburg and TU Ilmenau. Education: Diplom-Mathematiker (2001), Dr.-Ing. (2005), Dr.-Ing. habil. (2013) His research focuses on tactile sensors for surface texture and object contour detection, adaptive control in compliant robotics, and mathematical modeling of biomimetic systems. Publications emphasize sensor dynamics, mechatronic design, and applications of vibrissae-inspired engineering. Recent articles explore tactile sensor signal tuning, flow detection using artificial vibrissae, and adaptive control in snake-like locomotion systems. His work bridges mechanical modeling, control theory, and bioinspired robotics. Behn has served on technical program committees for conferences like ICINCO 2018 and IEEE IRC 2019. He supervises PhD students Moritz Scharff and Lukas Merker in Mechanical Engineering at TU Ilmenau.
Volker Schwieger is a Professor at the Institute of Engineering Geodesy , affiliated with the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy at the University of Stuttgart . As a Principal Investigator in the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC, he focuses on integrating geodetic measurement technologies into computational design and construction workflows, with emphasis on robotic control, 3D scanning, and quality modeling. Key research areas: Geodesy, Computational Design, Robotics in Construction, Quality Assurance Notable projects: RP 16-1 (Robotic Assembly), RP 18-1 (Holistic Quality Model), AP 7 (Space-Time Point Cloud Modeling) Recent publications demonstrate his work in terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for deformation analysis, point cloud processing algorithms, and holistic quality models for sustainable construction. He collaborates with institutions like Technical University of Munich and contributes to applications in bio-composites, timber structures, and climate-resilient urban planning. His methodological innovations include patch-based M3C2 analysis and supervoxel registration techniques. Despite extensive research output, no specific awards or educational background details are mentioned in the provided texts.
Fabian Kannenberg is a doctoral researcher and research associate at the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart, affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC and Collaborative Research Center CRC 1683 . His work bridges computational design, fiber composite structures, and sustainable construction through interdisciplinary projects involving robotics and AI. Education: M.Sc. in Architecture (ITECH program), Diploma of Advanced Studies (AISA) Research Focus: Computational co-design frameworks, reciprocal feedback between design/engineering/fabrication, fiber-based materials, and form-aware reuse of concrete elements Key Projects: Maison Fibre, Hybrid Flax Pavilion, BUGA Wood Pavilion, and CRC 1683 A01 His publications highlight innovations in filament winding , reinforcement learning for robotics , and data-driven design optimization . Awards include the Lightweight Structures Award , German Design Award , and Architectural Intelligence Best Paper Award . He contributes to teaching in Robotic Fabrication and Computational Design .
Dr. Noushin Raeisi Kheirabadi serves as a Research Fellow at the Faculty of Environment and Technology (FET) at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol. She is actively engaged in the European Innovation Council FETOpen project COgITOR: Colloid Cybernetic Systems, focusing on learning and computing in colloidal systems. Her research spans Unconventional Computing, Liquid Robotics, Soft Robotics, Bio-inspired computing, Colloids, Energy Harvesting, Sustainable Technologies, Nanomaterials, Smart Materials, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Nanocomposites, and 2D Materials. She leads investigations into liquid robotics, neuromorphic computing in colloids, energy harvesting via triboelectric nanogenerators based on two-dimensional nanostructures, and semiconductor processing for microdevices. Her work bridges nanotechnology, sustainable energy systems, and bio-inspired computational paradigms. Dr. Raeisi Kheirabadi collaborates with Huddersfield University and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) on the COgITOR project. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information. Her research contributes to sustainable technologies through nanomaterials innovation and unconventional computing approaches, with potential applications in energy-efficient robotics and environmental monitoring systems.
Dr. Ningning Zhang serves as Chair of Geotechnical Engineering and leads the Institute of Geomechanics and Underground Technology (GUT) at RWTH Aachen University. Her research bridges computational mechanics and practical geotechnical applications, with a focus on soil-structure interaction and bio-inspired solutions for underground engineering challenges. Her primary research domains include Geotechnical Engineering , Geomechanics , and advanced Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) . She investigates granular material behavior under complex loading conditions, specializing in bio-inspired penetration mechanics, soil creep phenomena, and particle-scale interactions. Current projects explore self-burrowing robotics for granular media, multi-scale particle shape effects on soil stiffness, and deep-learning applications for geotechnical testing. Her work consistently integrates experimental validation with high-fidelity numerical simulations to address fundamental soil mechanics questions. Dr. Zhang's recent publication trajectory reveals a strategic shift toward bio-inspired geotechnics and AI-enhanced modeling. Over 70% of her 2023-2024 publications focus on self-burrowing systems and granular material characterization, demonstrating expertise in translating biological burrowing strategies into engineered solutions. Her research uniquely combines gravitational effects analysis, crushable soil modeling, and multi-cycle penetration dynamics, establishing new methodologies for simulating complex soil behaviors. As an active mentor, she has supervised five Master's theses on topics including discrete element modeling of bio-inspired penetration processes, manufacturing trials of self-burrowing robots, and numerical analysis of trapdoor mechanisms in granular soils. Her academic leadership extends to international collaborations with institutions like Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María and research groups in India, fostering global innovation in geomechanics. The Institute of Geomechanics and Underground Technology operates state-of-the-art laboratories for soil and rock mechanics testing under Dr. Zhang's direction. The facility specializes in custom equipment development for granular material characterization, including bespoke setups for simulating bio-inspired penetration processes and virtual calibration chambers for cone penetration testing. This experimental infrastructure synergizes with their computational research to provide comprehensive solutions for geotechnical challenges.
Dr. Igor Berinskii is a Senior Lecturer at the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering , Tel Aviv University, affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering . He leads the Multiscale Mechanics of Solids (MSMS) Lab , focusing on the relationship between microstructure and macroscopic mechanical behavior through analytical and computational methods. His research aims to explain unconventional mechanical properties and predict novel features for engineering applications. 2005 : B.S. (Cum laude) in Applied Mechanics, Peter the Great Polytechnic University 2007 : M.S. (Cum laude) in Applied Mechanics, Peter the Great Polytechnic University 2010 : Ph.D. in Mechanics of Solids, Institute for Problems in Mechanical Engineering, Russian Academy of Sciences His research spans Mechanics of media with microstructure , Cellular materials/Metamaterials , Nanomechanics/NEMS/MEMS , and Micromechanics of fracture . Recent publications highlight work on origami-inspired structures , graphene and MoS2 mechanics , bio-inspired metamaterials , and computational homogenization , with a focus on multiscale modeling and dynamic systems. The MSMS Lab employs HiDRA (Hierarchical Deformable and Rigid Assemblages) for coarse-grained modeling, contributing to advancements in lattice materials and elastic wave propagation.
David Bierbach is a Researcher at the Biology and Ecology of Fishes group within the Faculty of Life Sciences at Humboldt University . His work focuses on collective behavior, animal welfare, and evolutionary ecology in aquatic species. Key Research Areas: Collective decision-making in fish shoals Behavioral plasticity in clonal and sexual fish species Environmental stress responses and adaptations Science of Intelligence Cluster collaborations Methodological Innovations: Use of biomimetic robots in studying social behavior Development of standardized fish husbandry protocols Current Projects: Thermal tolerance in extremophile fish Predator avoidance dynamics in collective systems Behavioral individuality in clonal vertebrates In recent publications (2024-2025), Bierbach's research spans fish social networks, aquaculture standards, and computational modeling of collective behavior. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining biology with robotics and data science to advance both ecological understanding and animal welfare practices.
Prof. Dr. Pawel Romanczuk is a faculty member at Humboldt University's Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biology, where he leads research in complexity science and adaptive systems. His work bridges biological collective behavior with robotics and computational modeling. Research Focus: Collective decision-making, swarming dynamics, animal behavior, and bio-inspired robotics Key Collaborations: Interdisciplinary work with robotics, physics, and ecological modeling His recent publications explore metric-free alignment in active matter, human-swarm interaction , and escape cascades in biological systems. He investigates how network topology influences decision-making and studies vision-based navigation algorithms. Scientific trends include: Understanding phase transitions in animal collective behavior Developing biomimetic robots for experimental studies Modeling social contagion in multi-agent systems
Mahdieh Zabihimayvan is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at Central Connecticut State University , specializing in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence applications. Her research focuses on enhancing proactive cyber threat intelligence and privacy protection using applied machine learning and complex systems analysis . Areas of Expertise: Machine learning for Cybersecurity, Complex systems analysis Memberships: European Society for Fuzzy Logic and Technology, ACM-W Women in Network Science, Women in Machine Learning, WomenTech Network Courses Taught: Computer Security, Secure Software Development, Big Data Programming, Systems Programming, Secure Software Designs, Introduction to Internet Programming Research Interests include cybersecurity , machine learning , and complex systems . She has published extensively on topics such as darknet traffic classification , phishing attack detection , and web robot identification , often leveraging fuzzy logic and deep learning techniques. Scientific Awards include a nomination for the Undergraduate Research Competition in 2022. Her work intersects cybersecurity , machine learning , and privacy protection , particularly in analyzing Tor networks , dark web systems, and biomedical data .
Dr Jose Santos serves as Associate Head of the School of Computing and Lecturer in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Ulster University. Based at the Belfast campus (2-24 York Street), he maintains an active research profile with 54 publications since 2000 and a Scopus h-index of 9. His leadership extends to the Computer Science Research group where he contributes to the university's UN Sustainable Development Goal initiatives. Dr Santos' research centers on networking and communications, with foundational work in geographical routing protocols for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) evidenced by his highly-cited survey (193 citations). His expertise spans quality of service optimization , location-aware routing for disaster telemedicine , and multimedia streaming in emergency scenarios . Recent expansions include Robotics: Bio-inspired control systems using reinforcement learning for coverage and navigation Emerging technologies: Blockchain-based edge computing (BECA architecture) and SLAM systems for autonomous navigation Sustainability applications: Low-cost environmental monitoring and battery health estimation His work consistently bridges theoretical networking concepts with real-world emergency response challenges. Analysis of recent publications (2021-2025) reveals strategic convergence of AI with physical systems. Key trends include sensor fusion for robotics (monocular-LiDAR SLAM), blockchain for secure IoT edge computing, and neural networks for battery diagnostics. This evolution maintains his core networking expertise while addressing sustainability through pollution monitoring and energy-efficient systems, aligning with Ulster University's focus on practical technological solutions for global challenges. Dr Santos has supervised 4 research students and secured funding for impactful projects including: KTP Programme with Fire Glass Direct Ireland Ltd (2012-2015): Transferred academic knowledge to industrial applications Ja.NET location awareness proposal (2008): Pioneered cooperative positioning techniques for indoor environments His external engagement includes serving as External Examiner at Griffith College (2015-2017), demonstrating commitment to academic standards beyond Ulster University. As part of Ulster's Computer Science Research group, Dr Santos contributes to multidisciplinary teams addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals. His current work integrates drone communications for fire emergency response, particulate matter monitoring, and blockchain architectures - reflecting a trajectory toward intelligent systems that enhance community resilience and environmental sustainability through rigorous networking research.
Professor Ashish Dutta is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He earned his PhD from Akita University, Japan in 2002 under the supervision of Prof. Obinata Goro from Nagoya University, with additional academic credentials including an M.E. from Jadavpur University (1994) and a B.Tech from R.E.C. Calicut (1989). His research expertise spans Robotics, Intelligent Control systems, Microsensors and actuators, and Bio-robotics. Professor Dutta has pioneered work in Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) actuators and compliant robotic mechanisms, with applications ranging from micro-assembly to human-robot interaction. His research bridges mechanical engineering, materials science, and robotics to solve complex engineering challenges. Professor Dutta's recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to bipedal locomotion, precision assembly techniques, and dexterous manipulation systems. His work shows a consistent focus on developing innovative robotic solutions with practical applications in manufacturing and biomedical engineering. Japan Ministry of Education fellowship for robotics research in Japan (1998-2002) Professor Dutta has held leadership positions including Associate Dean (Digital Infrastructure) since 2014 and Head of the Computer Centre since 2012. He serves as Secretary of the Robotics Society of India and is a member of IEEE. His teaching portfolio includes Introduction to Robotics (ME 762), Robot Dynamics and Control (ME 763), and several other core mechanical engineering courses.
Benjamin Wheatley is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Bucknell University, where he leads the Mechanics and Modeling of Orthopaedic Tissues Laboratory (MMOT Lab) . His research integrates experimental and computational biomechanics to understand soft-tissue and musculoskeletal mechanics, with applications spanning orthopaedics, rehabilitation engineering, and bio-inspired design. Education B.S. in Engineering, Trinity College, 2011 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 2017 Research Interests Wheatley’s work centers on finite-element modeling and experimental characterization of biological soft tissues, particularly skeletal muscle, tendon, and bone. He investigates structure–function relationships in orthopaedic tissues, neuromuscular biomechanics, and bio-inspired protective structures such as bighorn sheep horns. Applications include improving prosthetic gait, understanding knee-joint loading, and designing impact-mitigating materials. Publication Trends Across more than 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2015, Wheatley’s scholarship exhibits two dominant trajectories: (1) high-fidelity computational modeling of skeletal muscle and orthopaedic tissues under multiaxial loading, and (2) experimental biomechanics studies combining motion capture, EMG, imaging, and mechanical testing. Recent work increasingly couples optimal-control theory with gait simulations to predict clinical outcomes for individuals with limb loss. Scientific Awards & Honors (none explicitly listed in provided text) Advising & Funding Wheatley actively mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers in the MMOT Lab; interested students are invited to attend weekly lab meetings after contacting him via email. Grant and funding details are not provided in the supplied text. Laboratory & Team He directs the Mechanics and Modeling of Orthopaedic Tissues Laboratory located in Academic East 302, Bucknell University. The lab emphasizes student-led collaborative research that bridges mechanical engineering, orthopaedics, and biology.
Pierre Mozer is a University Professor and Hospital Practitioner affiliated with the RPI-Bio team. His work focuses on medical robotics and image-guided urological procedures, particularly prostate cancer diagnosis and minimally invasive surgeries. Academic affiliation: University Professor (no specific university named) Professional role: Hospital Practitioner Team: RPI-Bio at ISIR Research themes include: Medical robotics for prostate biopsies MRI-ultrasound fusion imaging 3D ultrasound-guided surgical precision Robotic ureteroscope applications Testosterone level correlations with cancer severity Publication trends (2010–2024) show consistent contributions to medical robotics, prostate cancer diagnosis, and imaging technologies. Key collaborations include researchers from Université Pierre et Marie Curie and other French medical institutions. His work has advanced MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy techniques and robotic systems for urological procedures. Clinical trials include first-in-man validation of robotic probe-holders and comparative studies between MRI-targeted and systematic biopsies.
Geert A. Folkertsma is a Lecturer affiliated with the Digital Society Institute at the University of Twente, specializing in Robotics and Mechatronics. His work focuses on energy-aware robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, and biomimetic actuation technologies. Research Interests: Energy-efficient robotic architectures Biomimetic actuation and control Autonomous aerial and ground vehicles Embedded safety-critical systems Research Trends: His publications demonstrate expertise in applying bond graph modeling to UAV control, developing distributed robotic architectures with stability guarantees, and creating energy-aware actuation systems. Work spans aerospace robotics, dexterous manipulation, and bio-inspired design. Academic Contributions: Active in robotics education Developing simulation tools for autonomous systems Advancing energy-aware actuation for humanoid robots
Marco Tamborini is a historian and philosopher of science and technology currently serving as a substitute full professor at the University of Regensburg for the summer semester of 2025. He is based at the Technical University of Darmstadt where he holds the position of Privatdozent and serves as Principal Investigator for a German Research Foundation (DFG) project on 'Hybrid Systems, Bionics, and the Circulation of Morphological Knowledge.' Tamborini is also a member of the Junge Akademie | Mainz, a fellow of the Johanna Quandt Young Academy, and an associate member at the Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity«. Tamborini completed his Habilitation (venia legendi for 'Philosophy') at the Technical University of Darmstadt in 2022. He earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg in 2015, following pre-doctoral work at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science. He also holds the Italian National Habilitation in Science (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale) for both full professorship in philosophy of science and associate professorship in theoretical philosophy. Dr. Tamborini's research lies at the intersection of (bio)science, technology and ethics, with particular focus on life sciences and bio-inspired engineering disciplines including AI, robotics, biorobotics, biofabrication, synthetic biology, bionics, and bio-inspired architecture. He also works extensively on classical philosophical topics from the 18th to 21st century, with special attention to Kant, Herbart, Lotze, Husserl, Neo-Kantianism, Phenomenology, Neo-Empiricism, philosophy of culture, and philosophical anthropology. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the dissolution of boundaries between biology and technology, examining how morphological knowledge circulates between scientific disciplines and informs bio-inspired engineering. Tamborini's work bridges historical analysis with philosophical reflection, particularly in exploring how concepts of form, structure, and function evolve across biological and technical domains. Dr. Tamborini has received several prestigious awards for his scholarship and teaching: Athene Preis Gute Lehre 2022 - Prize for outstanding teaching at TU Darmstadt Everett Mendelsohn Prize (2017) - For the best article published in Journal of the History of Biology Honorable mention from Italian Society of the History of Science (2020) As Principal Investigator for the DFG-funded project 'Hybrid Systems, Bionics, and the Circulation of Morphological Knowledge,' Tamborini leads research examining how morphological knowledge circulates between biological sciences and engineering disciplines. His work has been supported by various institutions including the Ernst Ludwig Mobility Grant that facilitated his visiting fellowship at Clare Hall, Cambridge. Tamborini has supervised numerous students through his teaching positions at multiple institutions and has been an active mentor in the Junge Akademie | Mainz. Dr. Tamborini collaborates with several research groups including the Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity« and has worked with the Biorobotics Laboratory at EPFL. His DFG project involves interdisciplinary teams examining the historical and philosophical dimensions of bio-technical systems. Tamborini has also been affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (liv MatS) at the University of Freiburg, contributing philosophical perspectives to their bio-inspired materials research.
