Berk Calli

Berk Calli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he leads the Manipulation and Environmental Robotics Laboratory (MER Lab). He holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology and completed postdoctoral research at Yale University. His research focuses on advancing robotic capabilities for unstructured environments through innovations in manipulation, computer vision, and machine learning.

Calli's research spans robotic manipulation, robot vision, machine learning, dexterous manipulation, and environmental robotics. His MER Lab develops multi-modal manipulation strategies using advanced control methods, active vision frameworks, and intelligent mechanical design to address uncertainties in real-world applications like recycling and industrial automation.

His publication trends demonstrate consistent contributions to robotic grasping, vision-based control, and industrial applications, with recent work emphasizing benchmark development and sustainable technologies. The articles explore themes of adaptive control systems, recycling automation, and performance evaluation frameworks.

Scientific Awards:

• Prestigious NSF CAREER Award ($599,559) for enhancing robotic object manipulation capabilities
• Early-Career Faculty Research Award recognizing innovative contributions to environmental robotics

Calli leads multiple NSF-funded projects, including initiatives to establish environmental robotics tracks for undergraduates. He advises graduate researchers in the MER Lab and founded the Yale-CMU-Berkeley Object and Model Set project, a globally used benchmarking resource.

As head of MER Lab, he directs research on fundamental manipulation problems and environmental sustainability projects including waste sorting and metal scrap recovery. His patented robotic technology is being developed for industrial applications like ship dismantling and metal cutting.