Dr. Sebastian Schlund is Professor and Head of Research Area Industrial Engineering at TU Wien's Institute of Management Science. Leads research on human-machine interaction, Industry 4.0, cyber-physical assembly systems, and workplace design in industrial environments. Research focuses on production management, human-robot collaboration, and adaptive workplace systems. Key projects include developing assistive technologies for industrial assembly and hybrid cyber-physical learning environments. Recipient of Best Paper Award at 22nd International Production Research Conference Honored in Future Lab Produktionsarbeit 4.0 initiative Teaches courses on production systems, assistive technologies, and industrial engineering. Education includes doctorate in engineering from University of Wuppertal and diploma in transportation from Technical University of Berlin.
Marc Carmichael is an Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. He serves as Director of Teaching and Student Engagement at the UTS Robotics Institute (UTS:RI) and leads the UTS:RI human-robot interaction (HRI) lab. With expertise in physical human-robot collaboration, he has developed several novel robotic systems addressing real-world problems across various industries. Dr. Carmichael received his B.Eng. in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (2008) and PhD in Robotics (2013) from UTS. He joined the UTS Centre for Autonomous Systems as a Lecturer in 2016, was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2019, and holds the title of Associate Professor. His educational background and career progression reflect his deep commitment to robotics research and education. His research focuses on robotic systems that provide physical assistance to users during laborious activities, enabling effective human-robot collaboration. His work spans collaborative robotics (cobots), assistive robots, robotic rehabilitation, robot kinematics and control, and robot system design. He specializes in developing systems where humans and robots work together physically to accomplish tasks, particularly in industrial settings and for assistive applications. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on learning from demonstration techniques, human-robot trust modeling, cognitive conflict detection during collaboration, and practical implementation of cobots in industrial settings. His work increasingly integrates machine learning with physical human-robot interaction, focusing on making robotic systems more adaptable, intuitive, and responsive to human needs. Australia's Most Innovative Engineers by Engineers Australia (EA) in 2018 Dr. Carmichael actively supervises research students and leads multiple funded research projects. His grants portfolio includes collaborations with NOKIA, OMRON, NSW Centre for Work Health and Safety, Rookwood General Cemetery, and the Australian Cobotics Centre. He has secured funding for projects including 'Physical human-robot interaction,' '5G Connected Cobots,' 'ARC Training Centre for Collaborative Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing,' and 'Next-Generation Intelligent Robotic Mobility Aid for Vision Impaired People.' As Director of Teaching and Student Engagement at the UTS Robotics Institute, he champions educational initiatives including undergraduate engineering subjects and industry-facing micro-credentials. His leadership in the HRI lab fosters innovation in human-robot teaming, with applications spanning industrial automation, assistive technology, and rehabilitation.
Md Rasedul Islam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, affiliated with the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. His research focuses on bio-robotics, ergonomic mechanisms, intelligent control systems, and automation. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2020), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (2012), Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh Islam's work bridges robotics with rehabilitation, emphasizing wearable systems like exoskeletons and humanoid robots. His studies explore hybrid control methodologies, adaptive algorithms, and automation of dynamic systems for therapeutic applications. His publications highlight advancements in exoskeleton robotics, EMG-based control, and real-time sensor systems. Notable awards include the Chancellor Graduate Student Award (2020), Distinguished Dissertation Fellowship (2018-2019), and Prime Minister Gold Medal (2012).
Suruz Miah is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Bradley University and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He holds a B.Sc. from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (Bangladesh) and M.A.Sc./Ph.D. degrees from the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on Cyber-Physical Systems, Optimal Control, Multi-Agent Systems, and RFID Technology. He has held roles including Visiting Associate Professor at Hosei University (Japan), Visiting Research Fellow at DRDC Canada, and Part-Time Professorships at multiple institutions. Education: B.Sc., Computer Science and Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (2004) M.A.Sc. and Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Ottawa (2007, 2012) Research Interests: Dr. Miah specializes in Cyber-Physical Systems, including autonomous robotics, multi-agent coordination, optimal control, and machine learning applications. He leads projects on mobile robot navigation, energy management systems, and RFID-based localization. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical implementations in robotics and industrial automation. Advising & Collaborations: Advised/co-authored over 20+ student research projects, focusing on reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, and robotics. Collaborates with institutions like DRDC Canada, Bradley University's Cyber-Physical Systems Lab, and University of Ottawa's MIRaM Lab. Developed open-source frameworks like MAFOSS (Multi-Agent Framework using Open-Source Software) and BEMOSS (Building Energy Management System). Labs & Teams: Principal Investigator at Bradley's Cyber-Physical Systems Lab. Research member of the Machine Intelligence, Robotics, and Mechatronics (MIRaM) Lab at the University of Ottawa.
Professor Joaquim de Ciurana Gay is a faculty member at the University of Girona in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Construction Engineering , leading research in Manufacturing Process Engineering since 2009. He heads the Process, Product and Production Engineering Research Group (GREP) , with over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 12 book chapters focusing on biomedical device design, additive manufacturing, and machining optimization. Education: PhD in Industrial Engineering (UPC, 1997); Postdoctoral training at Rutgers University, Cranfield University, and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Research Interests include additive manufacturing , machining process characterization , design methodologies , and industrial collaboration . His recent biomedical projects emphasize cell culture systems and medical device prototyping . Publications highlight trends in hybrid manufacturing , AI-driven process optimization , and sustainable biomedical design . Scientific Awards: Award for Scientific Collaboration with Companies (ASCAMM Centre Tecnològic, 2011) Teaching Innovation: Authored educational materials and led projects integrating industry partnerships into academic training. Labs & Teams: Director of GREP, fostering knowledge transfer through collaboration agreements with industrial partners.
Harald Augustin is a Professor at Reutlingen University's ESB Business School, specializing in Industrial Engineering and Logistics. He leads the Virtual Engineering and Training Center (VETC) and the Steinbeis Transfer Center for Process Management in Product Development, Production, and Logistics. Current roles: Professor for "Fabriksysteme und Logistik", Director of VETC Research focus: Digital Manufacturing, Lean Logistics, Virtual Reality in Factory Planning Education Diplom-Ingenieur (Maschinenbau, Production Engineering), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Dr.-Ing. (Promotion) in Mechanical Engineering, TU Kaiserslautern Research stays in France, Canada, and Australia Research Interests center on optimizing logistics and production systems through digitalization, lean methodologies, and virtual collaboration. His work includes developing immersive planning systems, risk management frameworks, and agile engineering processes. Lab Affiliations : VETC (Virtual Engineering and Training Center) at ESB Business School Steinbeis Transfer Center for Process Management in Product Development, Production, and Logistics
Tim Clausnitzer is a Researcher at the Department of Technology and Innovation Sociology , part of the Faculty VI: Planning, Building, Environment at the Technical University of Berlin . Since 2024, he has been a research associate in the DFG-funded project 'SoCoRob II,' focusing on the digitalization of the working world. His work spans sociotechnical action distribution, collaborative robotics, and configurational technologies. Current research: DFG Priority Program 'Digitalization of the Working World' (2024–2026) Mercator Fellow at the University of Edinburgh (2023–2024) Organized international workshops on robotics and digitalization Education : Master's in Sociology with a Technical Sector (2017–2020, TU Berlin) Bachelor's in Sociology (2013–2017, TU Berlin/Karl-Franzens-University Graz) Research Focus : Clausnitzer explores the interplay between humans and collaborative robots (cobots) in industrial and care contexts, emphasizing distributed action, narrative-driven innovation, and the challenges of translating prototypical scenarios into real-world applications. His work bridges sociology, robotics, and digital labor studies. Scientific Contributions : He analyzes the social construction of robotics through prototyping, critiques the self-perpetuation of technological promises, and investigates socio-technical alignment in automation. Key subfields include configurational technologies, innovation intermediaries, and scenario-based development. Recognition : Mercator Fellowship for interdisciplinary robotics research (2023–2024) Collaborations : Clausnitzer frequently collaborates with Kevin Wiggert, Ingo Schulz-Schaeffer, and Martin Meister, co-authoring studies on robotic narratives, distributed agency, and automation dynamics. He has presented at conferences in Madrid, Melbourne, and Edinburgh.
Mandeep Dhanda specializes in human-robot collaboration for Industry 5.0 applications as a Research Fellow at The Foundry Centre for Digital, Manufacturing & Design. Research focuses on integrating AI with manufacturing systems. Key interests include adaptive tool path planning, multi-axis CNC machining, and hybrid manufacturing systems combining additive and subtractive processes. Applies computational methods to manufacturing challenges. Recent publications examine human-robot interaction frameworks and Bayesian systems for additive manufacturing design assessment, reflecting Industry 5.0's human-centric focus. No scientific awards listed in provided text. Research involves developing ontologies for human-robot collaboration and computational manufacturing systems within The Foundry research group.
Milou Habraken is a Researcher in the Department of Communication Science at the University of Twente . Her research focuses on the intersection of Industry 4.0 , Human Resource Management (HRM) , and Work Design , particularly examining how collaborative robots (cobots) and digital transformation reshape workplace dynamics. Key Research Areas: Smart Industry, Occupational Safety and Health, Human-Robot Collaboration, Digital Workspaces Recent Publications: Her 2023 reports with CEPS analyze policy implementations for smart industry in Belgium, while her 2022 work with ILO provides methodological frameworks for occupational safety metrics. Earlier studies (2016-2020) explore job design evolution, HRM adaptation, and critical analyses of Industry 4.0 hype versus practical realities. Awards & Grants: No explicit scientific awards mentioned, though her research has been supported by institutions like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).
Mark Vlutters is an Assistant Professor in Biomechatronics and Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Twente. His research focuses on robotics, biomechatronics, and rehabilitation technology, particularly in understanding motion control, perception, and cognition through biomechanical studies of human movement. He contributes to advancements in AI, machine learning, and collaborative robots (cobots) while addressing challenges in healthcare and well-being. Key research areas: Robotics, Biomechatronics, Motion Control, AI, Healthcare Technology Recent work explores angular momentum recovery during walking, pelvis perturbations in staggered stances, and transdisciplinary learning in robotics education. His contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals like Health and Well-being, Industry and Future of Work, and AI development. He actively organizes academic events, serves as a journal editor (e.g., Journal of Biomechanics ), and supervises dataset projects on human movement biomechanics.
Federica Nenna is an Assistant Professor at the University of Padua, specializing in human-centered technologies within industrial settings. Her research focuses on human-robot collaboration, virtual/augmented reality applications in Industry 5.0, and neurophysiological aspects of human-machine interactions. She investigates how age, cognitive load, and psychological factors influence workers' performance in advanced manufacturing environments. Her work emphasizes ergonomics and safety in digital innovation, particularly through the use of eye-tracking, cardiac monitoring, and entropy analysis to assess user performance and workload. Key themes include trust dynamics in collaborative robotics, teleoperation systems, and the design of inclusive workstations for senior workers. Nenna’s research bridges neurophysiology, engineering, and occupational health to create safer, more efficient industrial environments. Publications highlight trends in VR/XR-based digital twins, human-centric risk management in digital transformation, and the physiological correlates of learning in robotic task environments. She advocates for a human-centered approach to Industry 5.0, addressing both technological and psychological barriers to adoption. Current projects explore cross-age usability of teleoperation interfaces and the integration of biometric feedback for real-time safety monitoring. Notably, she developed the SAFE GYMS IoT system for workplace safety and contributed to the SAFE TALK mobile application for mental health support during isolation. These innovations reflect her commitment to applying cutting-edge technologies to improve both productivity and well-being in rapidly evolving workspaces.
Jorge Solis is an Associate Professor and Docent in Electrical Engineering at Karlstad University, Sweden. He specializes in robotics, automation, and renewable energy integration. His research focuses on assistive robots, biologically-inspired control systems, and energy storage solutions. He collaborates with industries like ABB, Camanio Care AB, and international institutions such as the University of Southern Denmark and Waseda University. He has authored over 150 publications, including peer-reviewed journals and conference papers, with a focus on human-robot collaboration, solar energy systems, and medical robotics. Key projects include gesture-based cobot programming, greenhouse energy optimization, and autonomous UAV monitoring systems. His work has earned finalist awards at major robotics conferences and a best paper award in medical engineering. Jorge teaches courses in industrial automation, control systems, and embedded control at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. He leads research teams and chairs technical committees in bio-robotics. His contributions span academia-industry partnerships, emphasizing practical applications in healthcare, agriculture, and energy sectors.
Xuping Zhang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Aarhus University, within the AU Engineering college. Their expertise spans mechatronics, robotics, and control systems, with a focus on applications in rehabilitation, manufacturing, and biological handling. Fields of Expertise: Mechatronics Design, Robotic Inspection and Maintenance, Digital Twin Technology, and Human-Robot Collaboration. Recent publications (2024) include advancements in locomotion control for quadruped robots and hand-eye calibration using 3D vision, reflecting their interest in hybrid control algorithms and robotic agility. They are involved in EU DEMO remote maintenance projects and Danish SME manufacturing initiatives. Contact: Email xuzh@mpe.au.dk or phone +45 4189 3167.
Björn Johansson is a Professor at Chalmers University of Technology, specializing in Production Systems. His research focuses on sustainability aspects of manufacturing through virtual tools, aiming to minimize environmental, social, and economic impacts. Key methodologies include flow simulation, dynamic environmental assessments, 3D visualization, and layout optimization. Primary research areas: Sustainable Manufacturing, Digital Twins, Environmental Impact Assessment Collaborations: Mélanie Despeisse, Henrik Söderlund, and others in automotive, battery production, and maritime industries His work emphasizes integrating digital technologies (e.g., VR, IoT) with sustainable practices, addressing challenges in supply chain resilience, human-robot collaboration, and circular economy models. Recent studies explore VR training environments, 5G-enabled manufacturing, and extended reality (XR) frameworks. Current projects involve 44 initiatives across battery systems, servitization, and digitalization for sustainability. Publications span 179 articles, including topics like digital twin implementation, ergonomic VR assessments, and hybrid simulation models for environmental analysis.
Dr. James Law serves as a Senior Experimental Officer at Sheffield Robotics and leads the Collaborative Robotics Group within the School of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield. He holds a joint appointment between the Department of Computer Science and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, and serves as Director of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Sheffield Robotics. His work integrates academic research with industrial applications in advanced manufacturing. His research focuses on human-robot collaboration, trustworthy autonomous systems, and responsible innovation in manufacturing robotics. Law develops safety assurance frameworks and digital twinning solutions for collaborative workspaces, with particular emphasis on trust engineering, user authentication, and graphical communication systems that reduce human anxiety in robot co-working environments. His interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science, engineering psychology, and industrial implementation requirements. Law's publication portfolio demonstrates consistent advancement in collaborative robotics safety, with recent work (2022-2024) focusing on verified safety controllers, digital twin frameworks, and trust modeling in human-robot triads. His research shows progression from foundational developmental robotics (2010-2015) toward applied industrial solutions, with increasing emphasis on security, safety assurance, and human factors in manufacturing contexts. As an active science communicator, Law serves on the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems network (UK-RAS) management board and the EPSRC Early Career Forum in Manufacturing Research. EPSRC STAMAN: Robotic skill transfer for manufacturing (Co-PI, £1M+) Horizon Europe OpenSwarm: Energy-aware swarm orchestration (Co-PI, £463k) EPSRC Security of Digital Twins in Manufacturing (Co-PI, £775k) EPSRC UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Node (Co-PI, £3M) Law leads the Collaborative Robotics Group and contributes to the Complex Systems Modelling research group, focusing on translating theoretical safety frameworks into practical industrial implementations through close collaboration with manufacturing partners and policy stakeholders.
