Ad Spiers

Ad Spiers is an Assistant Professor in Robotics and Machine Learning at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London. He leads the Manipulation and Touch Lab and is affiliated with the Robotics Forum. His research focuses on robot manipulation, biomechanics-inspired robotic hardware, and assistive technologies like shape-changing haptic interfaces for vision impairment. Prior affiliations include the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Yale University, and the University of Reading.

Research interests span robot manipulation strategies, upper-limb prosthetics, tactile sensing systems, and non-visual navigation aids. His work integrates biological principles with engineering solutions, emphasizing practical applications in healthcare and human-robot interaction. Recent studies explore variable-friction grippers, tactile sensor design, and quantifying motion compensation in amputee populations.

Publications highlight advancements in haptic interfaces, low-cost robotic grippers, and perceptual studies in navigation assistance. His lab’s innovations include the Deshi shape-changing haptic device and the UniTac-NV tactile sensor framework. No scientific awards are explicitly noted in the provided text.

Ad Spiers collaborates across disciplines, combining mechanical engineering, AI, and clinical science. His work on shape-changing haptic interfaces has been tested in immersive theater settings to evaluate user experience. Current projects emphasize open-source robotic platforms and at-home studies of prosthetic usage patterns.