Chun-Yi Su is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering at Concordia University. His research focuses on advanced control systems, mechatronics, robotics, and precision engineering. He specializes in nonlinear control, hysteresis compensation, and adaptive systems applied to soft actuators, UAVs, and smart materials. Key research areas include: Control of dielectric elastomer actuators Fault-tolerant cooperative control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Adaptive neural network-based control for nonlinear systems Data-driven approaches for power electronics and energy systems Recent work emphasizes: Soft robotics actuation mechanisms Fractional-order control strategies Resilient control under cyber-physical attacks Biomimetic robotic systems His lab develops innovative solutions for smart materials, mechatronic systems, and autonomous robotics. Applications span renewable energy systems, biomedical devices, and aerospace engineering. Active in collaborative research with industry partners.
Silvia Tolu is an Associate Professor at the Technical University of Denmark's Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, specializing in Neurorobotics. She leads the NeuroRobotics Technology Lab (NRT-LAB), focusing on bio-mimetic control architectures for compliant robotic systems. Her research integrates neuroscience, computer science, and biology to develop solutions for assistive robotics and neurodegenerative disease diagnosis. Her research interests span: Neuro-robotics and neuromorphic engineering Bio-inspired control systems and adaptive motor control Machine learning for robotic applications Human-robot compliant interaction Cerebellar control models Publications primarily focus on neurorobotics, bio-inspired control, and human-robot interaction, with recent advances in learning-based control systems for soft robots and aerial manipulation. Awards include the AEG Elektrofonden Research Grant and funding for human-robot interaction safety research. Current projects include LOCOPD (Lundbeck Foundation), AEROTRAIN (EU Marie Curie ITN), and compliant human-robot interaction systems. She supervises multiple PhD students in neurorobotics and maintains international collaborations across Europe and Asia. Laboratory resources include advanced robotic platforms for musculoskeletal and soft robot control.
Ehsan Esfahani is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He is affiliated with the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics. His research focuses on AI-driven robotics, human-machine interaction, and bio-mechatronics systems. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside (2012) MS in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Riverside (2012) MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Toledo (2007) BS in Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology (2004) Research Interests: Brain-computer interfaces for CAD/robotic systems Human-robot collaboration and neuroergonomics Bio-inspired robotics and tactile sensing Swarm intelligence and multi-agent systems Variable stiffness actuators for safe manipulation Key Contributions: Esfahani's work bridges AI with physical systems, emphasizing real-time human-in-the-loop control. Recent trends in his publications focus on scalable swarm robotics, human-swarm interaction dynamics, and adaptive gripper designs for confined environments. His neurophysiological approaches assess cognitive load in collaborative tasks, enhancing system safety and efficiency. Awards: American Power Public Associations DEED Scholarship (2012) UC Riverside Dissertation Year Fellowship (2011–2012) Lung-Wen Tsai Memorial Scholarship (2010) Advising & Labs: Directs the HILS Lab (Human-Inspired Learning Systems), exploring human-centered robotics. Active in grants focusing on AI-driven factories, cognitive modeling in surgery, and variable stiffness mechanisms. Collaborates on projects like SHaSTA (Human-Swarm Team Simulator) and MyoTrack rehabilitation systems. Labs & Teams: HILS Lab: Human-AI collaboration frameworks Stephen Still Institute: Transportation logistics and sustainability
Christopher McCarthy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computing Technologies within the School of Science, Computing and Emerging Technologies at Swinburne University of Technology. His research focuses on computer vision algorithms applied to robotics, intelligent transport systems, and assistive technologies, particularly for people with low vision. He serves as Stream Leader in Swinburne’s Innovative Planet Research Institute, leading the Intelligent Transport stream, and is a Chief Investigator in the Australian Cobotics Centre funded by the ARC. He has held research roles at CSIRO Data61, the Bionics Institute, and the University of Melbourne, contributing to bionic eye technology under the Bionic Vision Australia consortium. His research interests include: Computer Vision and AI for real-time systems Robot perception and navigation Assistive technologies for low-vision and blind users Intelligent transport systems and video analytics Human-machine interaction and cyber-human teams His recent publications reflect strong trends in deep learning, continual learning, and real-world deployment of vision systems in transport and healthcare. He has led numerous field trials and evaluations to assess system performance in real-world contexts. His work is highly interdisciplinary, combining computer science with engineering, medicine, and urban planning. Christopher McCarthy has received multiple awards, including: FSET Research Collaboration Award Excellence in Industry Engagement Special Commendation – VC Research Impact Finalist – National Disability Award in Technology Best Paper Award (IEEE) Excellence in Teaching (University of Melbourne) He has supervised over 20 HDR students in areas including robotics, AI, assistive tech, and transport analytics. He has led major research grants from ARC, Defence, SmartCrete CRC, iMOVE, and city councils. He also served as Academic Director for Work-Integrated Learning (2016–2023) and coordinated professional placements. His teaching includes core computer science units such as Computer Systems and Object-Oriented Programming. He maintains ongoing affiliations with: Bionics Institute (Honorary Member) Bionic Vision Australia (Affiliate) Data61 (Honorary Member) Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne International Task Force for Vision Restoration Outcomes (Chair)
David O'Carroll is a Professor in Sensory Biology at the Department of Biology, Lund University, Faculty of Science. His research centers on visual processing in insect brains, using electrophysiological methods and computational modeling to understand motion detection and attention mechanisms. He is particularly known for his work on dragonflies and hoverflies, revealing complex neural functions once thought unique to mammals. University: Lund University School: Faculty of Science Department: Department of Biology Position: Professor Email: david.ocarroll@biol.lu.se His research explores how insect brains efficiently process visual information despite their small size. Using nanoelectrodes, he investigates neural circuits in the optic lobe, focusing on target detection, motion tracking, and sensory adaptation. His interdisciplinary work bridges neuroscience and engineering, contributing to bio-inspired technologies such as collision avoidance systems and artificial vision chips. Collaborations extend to neural stem cell research for developing bionic interfaces. The most recent articles show a strong focus on temperature-dependent neural tuning, long-term adaptation in visual neurons, photoreceptor sensitivity in wasps, and the neurotoxic effects of pesticides like imidacloprid on pollinators. These studies reflect a dual interest in fundamental neurobiology and ecological implications. David O'Carroll actively supervises graduate students and leads multiple research projects, including dissertations on electrophysiology, optical mapping, and pesticide effects. He has recently participated in the International Conference on Invertebrate Vision and hosted visiting researchers such as Andrew D. Straw. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life on land and responsible innovation. Modulation of motion-detecting neurons by odors and pesticide exposure (supervision of master’s student) Hosting and collaboration with international researchers Active supervision of PhD candidates on visual physiology and neurotoxicology He is involved in interdisciplinary research teams focusing on sensory biology, neural computation, and pollinator health, with ongoing projects exploring electrophysiological responses, optical mapping across species, and the impact of sublethal pesticide exposure on insect behavior and ecosystem function.
Aaron J. Young is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on wearable robotics, exoskeleton control systems, and biomechanical analysis. He specializes in integrating machine learning and AI to enhance mobility assistance technologies for individuals with physical impairments. Young's work emphasizes real-time systems, including gait estimation, intent recognition, and adaptive assistance strategies for prosthetics and exoskeletons. His projects address challenges in slope navigation, stair climbing, and energy-efficient movement, often collaborating with clinical and engineering teams to translate innovations into practical applications. Key areas of exploration include exosuit design for hazardous environments (e.g., DOE-EM operations), biomechanical evaluation of manual lifting tasks, and improving post-stroke gait rehabilitation. His research also tackles commercialization barriers for wearable robotics, emphasizing sensor limitations and user-independent control systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in deep learning for slip detection, data-driven gait phase estimation, and task-agnostic exoskeleton control. His contributions aim to reduce metabolic costs, enhance user safety, and bridge the gap between robotics and clinical needs.
Prof. Christian Cipriani is the Director of the BioRobotics Institute at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (SSSA) and Head of the Artificial Hands Area. He holds a Ph.D. in Biorobotics Science and Engineering (2008) and a Laurea degree in Electronic Engineering (2004). His academic career includes roles as Assistant (2011), Associate (2014), and Full Professor (2016) at SSSA. He leads research on mechatronic prosthetics, control systems, and bidirectional interfaces, sponsored by the ERC, EU, and Italian ministries. Key projects include the ERC-funded MYKI (2016-2021) and the DeTOP Project (H2020-ICT). Research Interests: His work focuses on advanced robotic hands, control architectures, non-invasive feedback, and clinical experimentation. He co-founded Prensilia S.r.l., a spin-off commercializing robotic hands. Awards: ERC Starting Grant, National Scientific Habilitation as Professor (2017), Premio Capitani dell'Anno (2015), and Fulbright Scholarship (2012). Grants & Projects: Coordinated over 40 national/international projects, including MY-HAND (FIRB 2010), WAY (EU-FP7), and ARLEM (2018-2022). Labs & Teams: Leads the Artificial Hands Area within the BioRobotics Institute, fostering innovation in prosthetics and neurorehabilitation.
Sun Young Lee is a tenured Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Physiology & Neuroscience at USC, specializing in complex retinal conditions including age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal diseases, and diabetic retinopathy. She directs research on extracellular vesicles for intraocular therapies, developing EV-based treatments for blinding retinal disorders through targeted drug delivery and gene therapy. Research Focus: Mechanisms of extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication in retinal diseases, development of EV-based therapeutics, and clinical translation of regenerative approaches for vision restoration. Awards: ASRS Fellow (2024) Alcon Research Institute Young Investigator Award (2023) Mina Chung Research Award (2021) Presbyterian Health Foundation Clinician Scientist Award (2019) Retina Society Fellowship Research Award (2017)
Professor John Forsythe is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University and Co-Director of the Monash Institute of Medical Engineering (MIME). His research focuses on neural tissue engineering, biomaterials, and nanotechnology, particularly in developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and stroke. He transitioned from polymer chemistry research to interdisciplinary medical engineering, pioneering applications like neural prosthetics and bionic eye technology. John holds a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Queensland (UQ). His work integrates materials science with biological systems, aiming to regenerate neural pathways using biomaterial scaffolds and stem cells. Collaborations include the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Howard Florey Institute, and Monash Vision Group. His research interests span neural tissue engineering, biomaterials design, and nanotechnology. Notable projects include injectable microgels for cartilage repair, light-responsive hydrogels for cell studies, and graphene-based neural electrodes. He has advised students like Anisha, Pat Chen, Fanyi Li, Julian Ratcliffe, and Jason Marroquin, contributing to over 130 publications and 13 active research projects. John's work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing health and innovation. He leads initiatives like the ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, advancing translational research in medical technology.
Dr. Lisa Nivison-Smith is a leading researcher at the Centre for Eye Health under the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of New South Wales . Her work focuses on early detection and diagnosis of retinal diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD) , with an emphasis on retinal remodeling and its clinical implications. Education: PhD in Cell Biology/Tissue Engineering (University of Sydney, 2011) Honors: BSc Hons in Molecular Biology and Genetics (University of Sydney, 2006) Research Interests include studying structural and vascular changes in the retina using advanced imaging technologies like OCT and OCTA. She investigates how tissue remodeling in AMD affects diagnosis and management, collaborates with bionic eye engineers to improve sight restoration devices, and develops novel imaging biomarkers. Recent Article Trends highlight her work on choroidal vascularity , outer retinal curvature analysis , and biomarker validation for AMD progression. She explores vascular-neuronal interactions and spatial distribution patterns in retinal degeneration. Scientific Awards: UNSW Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in HDR Supervision (2023) IAN POTTER TRAVEL AWARD (2016) UNSW PRESIDENTS AWARD (2019) Grants include over $1 million in funding from organizations like NHMRC and Rebecca L Cooper Foundation . She currently supervises multiple PhD and Honours students and is an active member of ARVO Publications Committee and International Society of Eye Research .
Jean-Louis DE BOUGRENET DE LA TOCNAYE is Head of the Optical Department at IMT Atlantique (Brest campus). His research spans optics, liquid crystals, spatial light modulators, and biomedical applications, with a focus on innovative optical systems. He leads developments in contact lens technologies for eye tracking, augmented reality, and medical diagnostics. Research Interests: His work integrates optical engineering with materials science and electronics, emphasizing applications in vision correction, human-computer interaction, and industrial optics. Key areas include tunable lenses, holographic systems, and wearable optoelectronics. Publications: Over 100 journal articles (1983–2023) show a progression from fundamental optics to applied biomedical devices. Recent publications focus on smart contact lenses for gaze tracking, laser-based vision augmentation, and advanced display systems, reflecting interdisciplinary innovation. Patents & Innovations: Holds numerous patents in optical devices, including dynamic gain equalizers, liquid crystal shutters, salinity sensors, and 3D display technologies. His inventions frequently target telecommunications, medical instrumentation, and industrial optics. Labs & Teams: Leads research groups in optical systems design and optoelectronics at IMT Atlantique, collaborating with industrial partners (e.g., VALEO, Eyes3Shut) on commercialization of optical technologies.
Prof. Tobias Seidl serves as Vice Dean at the Westphalian Institute for Bionics within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in Bocholt, Germany. He has been with the university since January 2011, teaching bionics and sensor technology while leading research in biomimetic applications for robotics and engineering. Education: Bionics studies at Saarbrücken PhD on desert ant navigation systems under Rüdiger Wehner at the University of Zurich with fieldwork in Tunisia Professional experience at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Noordwijk, Netherlands Research Focus: Prof. Seidl's work centers on bionics , translating biological principles into engineering solutions. His expertise spans neuroethology (neural basis of natural behavior), functional morphology (structure-function relationships), and biomechanics . Key application areas include biomimetic robotics inspired by ants and spiders, sensor development, and bio-inspired materials. His research consistently bridges entomology with robotics, aerospace, and materials science to solve complex engineering challenges. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2025-2016) reveal a strong focus on biomimetic applications in robotics, 3D printing, and aerospace. Dominant themes include adaptive biomimetic valves for automotive cooling, force-based path integration in walking robots, hydrophobic surface replication, and satellite deployable structures inspired by insect wings. His work consistently leverages biological observations—particularly from desert ants and spiders—to advance robotic locomotion, adhesion mechanisms, and space technology. Research Infrastructure: As head of the Westphalian Institute for Bionics, Prof. Seidl leads R&D projects such as developing force sensors in ant legs for robotic applications. His institute serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration between biologists and engineers, focusing on translating biological insights into technical innovations for automotive, aerospace, and medical applications.
Huapeng Wu is a Professor at the University of Windsor specializing in robotics, nuclear engineering, and control systems. His research focuses on advanced robotics for fusion reactor maintenance, remote handling systems, and intelligent control algorithms. He has secured significant funding, including a $383k grant for cybersecurity in autonomous vehicles (2020). Key projects include development of the CFETR remote handling system, deformation modeling of fusion manipulators, and EEG-based human-machine interfaces. Research interests span parallel mechanisms, cognitive load monitoring, and bionic robotics. Notable contributions include: Design of vacuum vessel assembly robots with anti-vibration features Development of neural network-based fault prediction frameworks Integration of digital twin technology for fusion maintenance systems His work combines mechanical engineering principles with AI-driven solutions for complex industrial challenges. Current efforts emphasize improving safety and precision in nuclear fusion environments through innovative robotic systems and predictive modeling.
Karin Lingnau is an Assistant Professor at the exMedia Lab (School of Media and Fine Art) at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM). Her work bridges digital art, speculative design, and science fiction through interdisciplinary research projects like IDiA (Institute for Diachronic Artifacts) and Materiathek , exploring future artifacts, material processes, and anthropogenic transformations. Research Themes : Speculative materials, utopian/dystopian architectures, bionic systems, and geopolitical implications of technological mining. Exhibitions : Globale_Global Games (ZKM, 2015), Schwindel der Wirklichkeit (Berlin, 2014), Chaos – Komplexität in Kunst und Wissenschaft (Munich, 2012), and international installations. Scientific Engagement : Collaborations with institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute and ETH Zurich, integrating artistic practice with scientific discourse. Awards : Danfoss Art Award Gold, Special Prize for Paradoxien des Öffentlichen, Honorary Mentions at Transitio_MX and Digital Sparks. Her recent publications and artifacts, including Aquilithochitonaria and GeomYne , interrogate synthetic biology, nanogeometric mining, and the legacy of science fiction in shaping societal visions.
Edward S. Boyden is the Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology at MIT, where he holds appointments in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Media Arts and Sciences, and Biological Engineering. He is a full member of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, co-director of the Center for Neurobiological Engineering and the K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Boyden joined the MIT faculty in 2007 and was awarded tenure as a full professor seven years later. Boyden's research spans multiple areas of neurotechnology, with groundbreaking contributions in optogenetics, expansion microscopy, deep brain stimulation, and multiplexed imaging. His work has transformed neuroscience by providing researchers with powerful tools to observe and manipulate brain activity at unprecedented resolution. Boyden's research integrates principles from physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology to develop novel approaches for understanding and treating brain disorders. His publications reveal a consistent focus on developing innovative technologies that push the boundaries of what's possible in neuroscience. The trend shows increasing clinical translation of his basic science discoveries, with recent work moving from fundamental tool development toward therapeutic applications, particularly in vision restoration through optogenetics and non-invasive brain stimulation for memory enhancement. Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2016) The Brain Prize (2013) Rumford Prize (2019) National Academy of Sciences (2019) Gairdner Foundation International Award (2018) Warren Alpert Foundation Prize (2019) Wilhelm Exner Medal (2020) Boyden has mentored numerous students who have gone on to establish their own research programs, including Deblina Sarkar, Christian Wentz, and Kate Adamala. His research has been supported by significant grants from the NIH, NSF, and private foundations. Through his leadership of the Synthetic Neurobiology Group, Boyden has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple institutions and fields. Boyden leads the Synthetic Neurobiology Group at MIT, which brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds including neuroscience, engineering, physics, and computer science. The group operates state-of-the-art facilities for developing and testing new neurotechnologies, with close connections to clinical researchers for translational work.
