Samia Nefti-Meziani

Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani OBE is a Chair in Robotics and AI and Director of the Birmingham Robotics Institute at the University of Birmingham. She holds a Doctorat d’Etat in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from Paris, alongside degrees from the University of Paris and the University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. With 25+ years of experience, she specializes in AI-driven robotics solutions for cross-sectoral applications, including nuclear decommissioning, healthcare, and agriculture.

Education:

• Doctorat d’Etat in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Paris, France
• DEA in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, University of Paris
• Ingenieur d’Etat, University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria

Research Interests: Low-cost robotics technologies, force augmentation exoskeletons, haptic gloves, soft sensors, and dextrous end-effectors. Her work bridges academic research with industrial applications in sectors like nuclear energy, healthcare, and transportation.

Awards & Recognition: Recipient of the OBE (202?), featured in Robohub’s 2020 Top 30 Women in Robotics. Her research has been widely covered by Sky, BBC, ITV, and other media.

Grants & Leadership:

• Lead on the £8.5M Integrated Innovation in Nuclear Decommissioning project (2024 demo planned)
• Co-Director of the £25M EPSRC National Hub in Robotics and Future AI for Space Technology (FAIRSPACE)
• Principal Investigator for £4M Marie Curie ITN SMART-E and £5M Northwest Centre in Food Automation

Labs & Initiatives: Founded the £18M North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and the National Robotics Network (NRN), an associate partner of the UK RAS-SIG. She chairs the UK Cross-Industry RAS Development Task Force, involving sectors like Nuclear, Transport, and Space.