Davide Scaramuzza is a Professor and Director of the Robotics and Perception Group at the University of Zurich. He holds a Ph.D. from ETH Zurich and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford. His research focuses on autonomous drone navigation using visual and event-based sensors, leading to breakthroughs like AI drones outperforming human pilots in racing (Nature 2023). He pioneered algorithms for Mars helicopter navigation and developed the PX4 autopilot system. Key awards include the Kiyo-Tomiyasu IEEE Technical Field Award (2024), ERC Consolidator Grant (2019), and multiple best paper awards. His entrepreneurial ventures include co-founding Zurich-Eye (later Meta Zurich) and SUIND for agricultural drones. He co-authored the textbook Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots , widely used in academia. Research spans event camera algorithms, visual-inertial SLAM, and reinforcement learning for agile flight. His lab's work is featured in IEEE Spectrum, The Guardian, and Forbes. He advises UN initiatives on AI for disaster response and nuclear safety. Current projects include Graph-Generating State Space Models (CVPR 2024) and event-based vision for automotive systems (Nature 2024).
Alexis Lussier Desbiens is an Associate Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke in the Department of Mechanical Engineering , Faculty of Engineering. He co-founded several research labs and initiatives including NSERC CREATE CoRoM (Collaborative Robotics in Manufacturing) and NSERC CREATE UTILI (Uninhabited Aircraft Systems Training). His work bridges robotics, mechanical design, and sports equipment innovation. PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Stanford University, 2012) BEng in Mechanical Engineering (Université de Sherbrooke, 2005) Postdoctoral Research (Harvard University, 2013) His research focuses on robotics and automation , particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with bioinspired design principles for mechanical intelligence. Key areas include: Autonomous UAV perching and climbing Hybrid locomotion systems Sports equipment dynamics (skis, hockey sticks) Magnetorheological actuator applications Conservation biology tools via aerial sampling Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary work in robotics , sports engineering , and ecological monitoring . His projects often integrate mechanical design with environmental or human-centric applications. Scientific recognition includes: Best Student Paper (IEEE SMC, 2021) Best Poster (ISEA, 2020) National Geographic Explorer (2020) CSME Gold Medal (2005) Current grants (2020-2023) include: $339,000 - High-performance UAV for power line interactions $1.65M - NSERC CREATE UTILI training program $120,000 - Intelligent hockey stick development He also leads the CREATEK Research Lab and maintains global collaborations with institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and EPFL.
Keenan Albee is a Robotics Technologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and an incoming Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California (starting Fall 2025). His research focuses on autonomous robotics for extreme environments including lunar missions, microgravity, and underwater operations. Education: Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics (Autonomous Systems), MIT (2022) S.M. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT (2019) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University (2017) Albee’s work integrates optimal control , reinforcement learning , and motion planning to develop autonomy for mobile robotic systems operating under uncertainty. His expertise spans space robotics , microgravity systems , and underwater robotics , with a focus on environment-aware algorithm design. Recent research includes parametric information-aware motion planning (RATTLE algorithm), distributed multi-agent exploration, and robust control for uncooperative targets. His publications highlight on-orbit validation of autonomy algorithms via NASA’s Astrobee platform and upcoming lunar missions. Scientific Awards: NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship (2022) Albee actively develops open-source autonomy frameworks and will establish the Laboratory for Autonomous Systems in Exploration and Robotics (LASER) at USC. His work bridges theoretical control methods with real-world deployment, including first-of-its-kind achievements in space robotics.
Karthik Dantu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research focuses on mobile sensor networks, robot networks, networked embedded systems, mobile computing, wireless networks, and embedded operating systems. He leads the Distributed Robotics and Networked Embedded Sensing (DRONES) Lab and has received significant funding including an NSF CAREER Award. Dr. Dantu's educational background includes: PhD in Computer Science from University of Southern California (2009) BE in Computer Science from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (1999) His research interests center on algorithmic and systems challenges in Edge Computing Systems, with particular focus on enabling seamless vision sensing in cloud-edge environments. Dantu's work bridges mobile systems and robotics, developing novel approaches for UAV software, visual SLAM, and distributed sensing. His research addresses critical challenges in resource-constrained environments, security, and real-time performance for mobile and robotic systems, with emphasis on practical implementations that solve real-world problems in autonomous systems. Dr. Dantu's publication record shows a strong trajectory in mobile systems and robotics research, with increasing focus on edge computing applications for visual sensing. His recent work demonstrates expertise in adapting visual SLAM to edge environments, securing mobile systems through technologies like Rushmore, and developing novel approaches for UAV software reliability and depth sensing. The research spans theoretical algorithms and practical system implementations, with particular strength in bringing academic research to practical applications in robotics and mobile computing. Dr. Dantu has received several scientific honors: NSF CAREER Award on Enabling Seamless Vision Sensing in Cloud-Edge Systems Outstanding service award from the Office of International Services NSF Travel Grant for SenSys 2005 Conference Travel Grant for SIGCOMM 2002 As an advisor, Dr. Dantu has mentored numerous PhD students to completion, with graduates now working at companies like Samsung Research and Zoox Inc., or continuing academic careers as Assistant Professors. His research is supported by substantial grants including a DARPA OFFSET Sprint 4 award ($470k), an NSF CAREER award ($550k), and multiple NSF collaborative grants totaling over $1.5 million. He serves on numerous conference committees including Mobicom, MobiSys, and ICRA, demonstrating leadership in the mobile systems and robotics research communities. Dr. Dantu leads the Distributed Robotics and Networked Embedded Sensing (DRONES) Lab at UB, which focuses on developing algorithms and systems for mobile sensor networks, robot networks, and embedded sensing applications. The lab's work spans theoretical foundations to practical implementations, with particular expertise in UAV systems, visual SLAM, and edge computing for robotics, maintaining strong collaborations with industry partners and other academic institutions to advance the state of the art in mobile and robotic systems.
Associate Professor Fangbao Tian is a distinguished researcher and academic at UNSW Canberra's School of Engineering and Technology, where he also serves as Deputy Head of School for Research since July 2023. Previously, he held positions as Senior Lecturer (2017-2021) and Lecturer (2014-2017) at the same institution after completing postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt University. His academic journey began with a BSc (2006) and PhD (2011) in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and Engineering Mechanics from the University of Science and Technology of China. Dr. Tian's research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools for complex flows and fluid-structure interaction, with particular emphasis on bio-inspired applications. His work spans modeling laryngeal aerodynamics and vocal-fold vibration, fluid-structure interaction of plates in viscous fluid, fish swimming and insect flight, blood flow dynamics, and non-Newtonian flow phenomena. Recent work has expanded into Martian atmosphere aerodynamics, showing his research's growing interdisciplinary nature. His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent contributions across fluid dynamics, with recent trends showing increasing focus on compressible flows, bio-inspired flight systems, heat transfer applications, and computational methods like Lattice Boltzmann approaches. The research shows strong connections between fundamental fluid mechanics and practical applications in aerospace, biomedical engineering, and environmental systems. UNSW Canberra Goldstar Award 2022 IEEE Outstanding SMCS Chapter Award 2021 Outstanding Volunteer Award 2021 UNSW Canberra Silverstar Award 2018 UNSW Canberra Silverstar Award 2017 Journal of Fluids and Structures Highly Cited Research 2017 ARC DECRA 2016 Dr. Tian actively supervises PhD students across diverse topics including bushfire-enhanced wind loads, bio-inspired flight on Mars, flow control optimization, and fluid-structure interactions in compressible flows. He has secured over $5 million in external funding as Chief Investigator, including significant Australian Research Council projects examining Martian atmosphere aerodynamics, bio-inspired flapping wings, and cardiovascular flow modeling. His editorial roles include Associate Editor for Journal of Fluids and Structures and Scientific Reports, reflecting his standing in the fluid dynamics research community.
John Valasek is a Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the Drs. L. Diane '88 and John E. Hurtado '91 Professorship. He directs the Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory (VSCL) and serves as Site Director for the NSF Center for Autonomous Air Mobility and Sensing (CAAMS) and the FAA Center for General Aviation Research (PEGASAS). His research focuses on autonomous control systems, UAV navigation, and cybersecurity for aerospace vehicles. Valasek earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Kansas (1995) and California State Polytechnic University (1986). Education: Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of Kansas - 1995 M.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Kansas - 1990 B.S., Aerospace Engineering, California State Polytechnic University - 1986 Research Interests: Autonomous systems, nonlinear control, vision-based navigation, UAV control, bio-nano materials control, and aerospace systems engineering. Key Contributions: Over 100 invited lectures/seminars, leadership in NSF-funded research centers, and development of advanced control algorithms for aerospace systems. Notable publications include work on reinforcement learning for autonomous systems and real-time system identification for UAS. Awards: John Leland Atwood Award (2015) McElmurry Outstanding Teaching Award (2001, 2004, 2014) Engineering Hall of Fame inductee (2019) Advising & Grants: Advised over 60 graduate students, including recent NSF GRFP winner Evelyn Madewell. PI on multi-million-dollar grants, including the NSF CAAMS project and Air Force-funded research on autonomous systems. Labs & Teams: Directs the Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory (VSCL), focusing on low-cost attritable aircraft technology and autonomy. Collaborates with industry partners like Stratolaunch and VectorNav through CAAMS initiatives.
Imraan Faruque is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU), part of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT). His research focuses on biologically-inspired flight control systems, engineered autonomy for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the integration of sensory feedback mechanisms in autonomous systems. Education: Faruque holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland (2011 and 2010) and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech (2006). Research Interests: His work emphasizes bio-inspired solutions for aerial autonomy, including swarm coordination, gust-aware flight control, and human-autonomy interaction. Key areas include unmanned systems design, visual feedback algorithms, and adaptive control strategies derived from insect flight dynamics. Awards: He has received notable accolades such as the ONR Young Investigator Award (2019), AIAA Hal Andrews Young Engineer/Scientist Award (2017), and multiple 'Best in Session' recognitions at major conferences. His team also secured 1st Place in the International Aerial Robotics Championship (2005). Publications: Faruque’s research spans topics like orbital debris management, swarm intelligence, and tornado sensing with UAVs. His work bridges biological principles and engineering, with applications in aerospace, robotics, and environmental monitoring.
Philippe Souères is a Researcher at LAAS-CNRS (Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems) within the University of Toulouse. He leads the Gepetto team, focusing on advanced robotics, humanoid motion generation, and the integration of human biomechanics into robotic systems. His work bridges robotics, neuroscience, and biomechanics, emphasizing optimal control, sensor-based systems, and human-robot interaction. Research interests include robot control (optimal control, nonlinear systems), neurosciences (human motor control, sensorimotor integration), and biomechanics (organization of human movement). Notable contributions include models for humanoid locomotion, human-like motion generation using inverse dynamics, and studies on task-dependent balance in humans and robots. Souères has authored/co-authored over 50 publications, including award-winning work on human movement modeling for robotics. He has supervised numerous PhD students and contributed to projects like the EAR initiative (Robot Audition) and the development of the Pyrène humanoid robot. His research also extends to aerial robotics, ducted fan vehicles, and interdisciplinary collaborations with neuroscientists and biomechanics experts. Awards include the Best Conference Paper Award (2010) for integrating human movement invariants into humanoid robotics. Souères is actively involved in academic outreach, appearing in media discussions on robotics ethics and technological innovation.
Univ.-Prof. Karl Crailsheim is a Professor at the University of Graz, affiliated with the Institute of Zoology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on honeybee behavior, physiology, and health, particularly investigating the honeybee superorganism and threats to their colonies. He explores swarm systems, robotics, and swarm intelligence, with recent emphasis on colony losses and environmental threats. His work bridges biology and robotics, applying insights from honeybee behavior to algorithm design. Research interests include honeybee nutrition, immune responses, pathogen impacts, and the application of citizen science in ecological studies. Key projects involve tracking honeybee behavior, analyzing pollen diversity, and developing robotic systems inspired by swarm dynamics. Collaborative efforts with citizen scientists enhance ecological data collection. Publications highlight advancements in understanding bee health, pesticide effects, and swarm robotics. His interdisciplinary approach addresses both biological and technological challenges in apiculture and robotics.
John Whitney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. He joined the university in January 2016. His research focuses on human-safe robotics, medical robotics, soft robotics, MEMS, microrobotics, and bio-inspired design, with a particular emphasis on flapping aerodynamics and insect flight mechanisms. He has led major research initiatives including the National Science Foundation-funded 'Controllable Compliance' robotic arm project and Office of Naval Research projects on haptic manipulators for explosive ordnance disposal. Whitney holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University (2012) and an SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT (2006). He is affiliated with Northeastern's Institute for Experiential Robotics and has contributed to advanced systems like the ANA Avatar XPRIZE robotic avatar. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanical engineering, control systems, and biomedical applications. Education: PhD in Engineering Sciences, Harvard University, 2012 SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, 2006 Awards: 2023 Impact Award Finalist, International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2022-2023 College of Engineering Faculty Award Recipient His research spans teleoperation systems, haptic feedback mechanisms, and soft material manufacturing. Notable projects include a MR-safe haptic system for prostate biopsies and a novel robotic arm for contact-rich environments. His lab's work on flapping-wing microrobots draws inspiration from insect flight dynamics to improve micro air vehicle (MAV) performance. Whitney advises teams like the Northeastern Mars Rover Team and ANA Avatar XPRIZE finalists, demonstrating his commitment to hands-on student engagement. His publications emphasize practical robotics solutions for medical, industrial, and exploratory applications.
Dewei Yi is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the Department of Computing Science, School of Natural and Computing Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, UK. He holds a PhD from Loughborough University and is an active researcher in AI, computer vision, and intelligent systems. He serves as Director of the MSc AI and MSc Robotics and AI programmes. Research Interests: His research spans AI-enabled healthcare, medical image processing, intelligent vehicles, robotics, precision agriculture, remote sensing, and applied machine learning. He focuses on hybrid intelligent systems, personalised AI, federated learning, fairness, and explainability. Recent Publication Trends: His latest work includes medical image quality evaluation using contrastive learning, federated learning for diabetic retinopathy, UAV-based solar panel inspection, vascular image analysis, and emotion recognition from ECG data, reflecting a strong trend toward healthcare and intelligent systems with real-world impact. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Outstanding Reviewer, Transportation Research Part C (TRC) Advising and Grants: Dr Yi supervises multiple PhD students in AI, computer vision, and machine learning. His graduated PhDs include Debinal Bakyavathi Rajan, Sami Hamid Al Sulaimani, and Adinath Abhimanyu Ghadage. He has secured significant funding as PI and Co-PI, including a £408K Smartawl 5.0 project and a £794K Cancer Research UK grant (Co-PI). Labs and Teams: He leads research in AI for healthcare and intelligent vehicles, collaborating with institutions like University of Warwick, Loughborough University, and industry partners such as AVL Powertrain Ltd. His work is supported by interdisciplinary teams focusing on embedded AI, medical applications, and sustainable technologies.
David J. Olinger is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He specializes in renewable energy technologies, particularly airborne and hydrokinetic systems involving tethered kites and gliders for energy extraction from wind and ocean currents. His research emphasizes experimental and computational approaches to optimize these systems, including a low-cost kite-powered water pump for underdeveloped regions. Education: BS in Engineering (Lafayette College, 1983), MS in Mechanical Engineering (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1985), PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Yale University, 1990). Research focuses on fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and fluid-structure interaction. His articles span advancements in tethered systems control, energy harvesting, and simulation techniques. Recent work integrates computational models and physical experiments to refine underwater kite systems and airborne wind energy solutions. Awards: Summer Faculty Research Fellow (1993, U.S. Navy) WPI Teaching Technology Fellowship (2000) ASME National Curriculum Innovation Award Honorable Mention (2001) Advising & Grants: Supervises graduate/undergraduate project teams in MQP (Major Qualifying Project) initiatives. Focuses on applied engineering solutions, such as renewable energy systems and fluid dynamics experiments. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group developing emerging energy technologies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics.
Victor Becerra is a Professor of Power Systems Engineering at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering within the Faculty of Technology. He is also associated with the Centre for Environmental and Renewable Energy Solutions and the Agile Centre For Equitable Sustainability. His research focuses on advanced control systems, renewable energy integration, smart grids, battery management, and nuclear power plant control. He actively supervises PhD students in topics like optimal control of battery systems and microgrid optimization. His academic work spans over 193 publications, with recent contributions emphasizing techno-economic analysis of green hydrogen, modular energy storage solutions, and optimal control strategies for batteries and nuclear reactors. His research often addresses real-world applications such as grid flexibility at ports, peer-to-peer energy trading platforms, and drone-based inspection of offshore wind turbines. Becerra's expertise includes developing control algorithms for marine structures, sodium-cooled reactors, and unmanned aerial vehicles. He has contributed to books on solar energy engineering and applications, highlighting interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability challenges. His work integrates theoretical models with practical implementations, such as energy management systems for compressed air and advanced BMS for drones. Key themes in his research include renewable energy systems optimization, fault-tolerant control mechanisms, and adaptive control strategies for dynamic environments. He collaborates internationally, addressing global energy challenges through innovative control methodologies and sustainable technologies.
Martin Nordal Petersen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering , Technical University of Denmark (DTU) . His work spans Internet of Things (IoT) , optical networking , and wireless communication systems, with notable contributions to LoRa , NB-IoT , and LPWAN technologies. He actively supervises PhD projects on topics such as machine learning in IoT edge devices , secure 5G communication , and smart community architectures . Active projects (2024–2027): Machine Learning in IoT Edge Devices , Deterministic and Secure 5G Communication Finished projects (2021–2024; 2018–2021; 2015–2018): Reliable M2M/IoT Communication , Smart Communities , IoT 100% , Network Slicing His research explores: IoT Reliability : Multi-RAT communication, backup systems, and signal propagation Optical Networks : Alien wavelength integration, SDN control, and network emulation platforms Wireless Innovation : GPS-free geolocation, maritime NB-IoT use cases, and multimode fiber distribution Current collaborations emphasize cross-disciplinary applications of IoT in healthcare , industrial ergonomics , and smart environments .
Vikram Iyer is an Assistant Professor at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering and holds an Adjunct Appointment in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. He co-directs the CS for Environment Initiative , focusing on interdisciplinary solutions that bridge computing, biology, and physical systems for environmental sustainability. Education : Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering (University of Washington), B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (UC Berkeley) Research Interests revolve around bio-inspired wireless systems , environmentally sustainable electronics , and miniaturized autonomous robotics . His work includes: Biodegradable circuit boards Battery-free wireless sensors Insect-scale vision systems Wind-dispersed environmental monitors AI tools for sustainable design Article Trends highlight contributions to green hardware , energy-autonomous robotics , and environmental sensing networks , often integrating machine learning with physical world interaction . Awards include: NSF CAREER Award SIGMOBILE Dissertation Award Marconi Society Paul Baran Young Scholar Best Paper Awards (SIGCOMM 2016, Sensys 2018) Google/Amazon Research Awards Students advised include Kyle Johnson (NSF Fellow), Vicente Arroyos (GEM Fellow), and Qiuyue Xue (co-advised with Shwetak Patel). His lab collaborates with the Networks & Mobile Systems Lab and Urban Innovation Initiative .
