Dr. Mo Rastgaar is a Professor at Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech (2008) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT's Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehabilitation. He leads the Human-Interactive Robotics Lab (HIRoLab), focused on assistive and rehabilitation robots for enhanced mobility, particularly lower-extremity devices. His research emphasizes understanding agile gait dynamics through human experiments and modeling. Research interests include assistive robotics, cyber-physical systems, dynamics, and control systems. Notable awards include the 2014 NSF CAREER Award. He has secured grants such as the 2019 NRI Collaborative Grant on robotic ankle prosthetics and 2020 grants for undersea infrastructure. Dr. Rastgaar's work bridges biomechanics, robotics, and clinical applications, advancing prosthetic designs and human-robot interaction. Key contributions include developing steerable powered ankle-foot prostheses and exploring multi-robot systems for underwater exploration. His labs integrate interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex mobility challenges, emphasizing both technical innovation and real-world clinical impact.
Silvestro Micera is a Full Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and holds the Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational Neuroengineering. He directs the Translational Neural Engineering Laboratory and teaches courses including Neural signals and signal processing and Translational neuroengineering . His research bridges neural interfaces, robotics, and neuroprosthetics to restore motor functions in spinal cord injuries, stroke, and amputations. Micera's research integrates implantable neural interfaces, robotic rehabilitation, and hybrid neuro-prosthetic systems. Key focus areas include: Robotic neurorehabilitation for mobility restoration Neural control mechanisms in movement CNS/PNS neural interface development Bioelectronic modulation for sensory feedback His recent publications emphasize machine learning-driven motor recovery prediction, closed-loop sensory feedback systems, and minimally invasive neuroprosthetics. Trends include AI-optimized stimulation protocols, multimodal data fusion for rehabilitation, and clinical translation of neural bypass technologies. Awards: IEEE EMBS Early Career Achievement Award (2009) IEEE EMBS Technical Achievement Award (2021) Micera leads EU-funded projects such as TIME, CLONS, and NeuWalk, focusing on neural prostheses. He advises 8 current and 18 former PhD students in neuroengineering. His lab collaborates with MIT, Harvard, and industry partners (e.g., Plexon) to advance translational neurotechnologies.
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Marcia O’Malley is the Thomas Michael Panos Family Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Bioengineering at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering. She chairs the Department of Mechanical Engineering and directs the Mechatronics and Haptic Interfaces (MAHI) Lab. Her research focuses on haptics and robotic rehabilitation, particularly wearable robotic systems for training and rehabilitation in virtual environments. She holds adjunct roles at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical School. Educated at Purdue University (B.S., 1996) and Vanderbilt University (M.S./Ph.D., 1999/2001), Dr. O’Malley has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ONR Young Investigator Award, NSF CAREER Award, and multiple fellowships. She has twice won Rice’s George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching. Her work bridges engineering and medicine, addressing human-robot interaction challenges in surgical training, workforce safety, and neurorehabilitation. The MAHI Lab develops devices like the hBracelet and Rice Haptic Rocker to enhance human-robot collaboration. She co-founded Houston Medical Robotics, Inc., applying her innovations to real-world medical applications. Research Interests: Haptics, wearable robotics, neural interfaces, surgical training metrics, and rehabilitation robotics. Labs/Teams: MAHI Lab (Biosciences Research Collaborative), collaborations with medical institutions. Grants/Awards: Extensive funding from NSF, ONR, and industry partnerships; leadership in editorial roles for IEEE Transactions on Haptics.
Patrick Slade is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). His lab, the Slade Lab, focuses on developing assistive devices to enhance mobility through the integration of biomechanics, robotics, and human-centered artificial intelligence. Key research areas include exoskeletons, prosthetics, wearable sensors for health tracking, and navigation aids for visually impaired individuals. Research Interests: The lab emphasizes translating research into practical solutions, such as personalized exoskeletons and robotic systems to improve mobility. Recent work includes optimizing human-robot interaction algorithms and publishing in high-impact journals like Nature . Collaborations with labs like the Biodesign Lab and BIONICs Lab highlight cross-disciplinary efforts. Publications: Over 15 articles since 2017 span topics like exoskeleton design, energy expenditure modeling, and Bayesian reinforcement learning. Notable contributions include a 2022 Nature paper on personalized exoskeleton assistance and a 2021 study on navigation aids for impaired vision. Awards & Grants: Students in his group have received prestigious NSF GRFP fellowships and conference awards, reflecting the lab's emphasis on innovation. The lab actively engages in grant-funded projects to advance assistive technology. Lab & Team: The Slade Lab opened at Harvard in 2023 and includes PhD students and postdocs working on devices like robotic exoskeletons and health-tracking systems. Future work focuses on scalable solutions for mobility challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.
Frank L. Hammond III serves as Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech's Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering since April 2015, directing the Adaptation Robotic Manipulation (ARM) Laboratory. A Carnegie Mellon PhD graduate, he previously held postdoctoral positions at MIT and Harvard as a Ford Fellow. His interdisciplinary work bridges mechanical engineering, biomedical applications, and computational design. Education Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University Hammond's research pioneers adaptive robotic manipulation (ARM) systems that operate in unstructured human environments through bioinspired computational design. His lab develops xenomorphic (non-biomorphic) robots using soft pneumatic actuation, flexible electronics, and machine learning to achieve biological-level versatility. Key application domains include wearable human augmentation devices , haptic-enabled surgical teleoperation , and autonomous soft platforms for medical and industrial use. The ARM methodology integrates empirical biomechanics characterization with simulation-driven optimization and rapid prototyping. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant trends: (1) Medical rehabilitation breakthroughs through intention-driven exoskeletons with soft bioelectronics, (2) Novel locomotion strategies for soft robots in complex environments (sand, water, cluttered spaces), and (3) Advanced haptic feedback systems leveraging multimodal sensory substitution for proprioceptive restoration. These works consistently bridge biomechanics, control theory, and human factors. Awards Ford Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Harvard School of Engineering Hammond actively mentors graduate researchers including PhD candidates Lucas Tiziani (soft actuators) and Bangyuan Liu (earthworm robotics), and Master's student Alex Hart (pediatric haptics). His lab secures research funding for projects like tunable mechanical interfaces for neuropathy treatment and cognition-focused wearable devices, with strong industry and clinical partnerships evident in co-authored medical device publications. The ARM Lab maintains robust collaborations across Georgia Tech's robotics, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering communities. The Adaptation Robotic Manipulation Laboratory operates from Whitaker Building Room 4102, housing specialized facilities for soft robot fabrication (3D printing, shape deposition manufacturing) and biomechanics testing. Current projects include pediatric haptic feedback displays, biomimetic swimming robots, and kirigami-skinned earthworm robots for subsurface locomotion. The lab emphasizes translational research with multiple pending medical device patents and active participation in K-12 STEM outreach programs.
Professor Sarath Kodagoda is a leading academic and researcher in robotics and mechatronics at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he serves as Acting Director of the UTS Robotics Institute. He specializes in sensor fusion, data processing, and machine learning, with a focus on robotic solutions for infrastructure inspection and assistive technologies. His work includes developing the Robotic Remote Lab teaching facilities and founding the iPipes lab for wastewater infrastructure research. Affiliations: UTS Robotics Institute, Faculty of Engineering & IT Leadership Roles: President of the Australian Robotics & Automation Association, Ambassador for NSW Smart Sensing Network His research interests span robotics, sensor networks, and infrastructure robotics, with notable contributions to pipeline inspection and tactile sensing. He has published over 170 papers, attracted $6M+ in grants, and supervised 12 PhD students now working at Amazon, Google, and ABB. Awards include the UTS Medal for Teaching & Research Integration and multiple national/international innovation awards. Recent work emphasizes robotic systems for wastewater infrastructure, assistive robotics for vision-impaired individuals, and advanced sensor technologies. His articles highlight innovations in tactile sensing skins, 3D object detection (e.g., CaLiJD, LMIINet), and pipeline defect detection (PIPE-CovNet+). Grants: Contracts with Amplitel, NBN Co Ltd, and ARC Linkage Projects Labs/Teams: UTS Robotics Institute, iPipes Lab
Aaron D. Ames is the Bren Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Control and Dynamical Systems, and Aerospace at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He serves as the Booth-Kresa Leadership Chair and Director of the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies since 2025. His academic journey includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering and BA in Mathematics from the University of St. Thomas (2001), followed by an MA in Mathematics and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley (2006). Research Interests span theoretical and experimental work in hybrid systems, nonlinear control, and bipedal robotic locomotion. Specific focus areas include: Control Barrier Functions (CBFs) for safety-critical systems Powered prostheses and robotic assistive devices Legged locomotion for bipedal and quadrupedal robots Cyber-physical systems and autonomous control Model predictive control and real-time optimization Humanoid robotics and geometric safety filters Recent publications emphasize risk-aware control, safety verification, and locomotion on constrained environments, with applications to drones, exoskeletons, and quadrupedal robots. His work often integrates theoretical advancements with practical validation through the AMBER Lab. Scientific Awards & Honors : NSF CAREER Award (2010) Donald P. Eckman Award (2015) Leon O. Chua Award (2005) Bernard Friedman Prize (2006) Teaching includes graduate courses on nonlinear control, hybrid systems, and robotics at Caltech, alongside prior roles at Georgia Tech and Texas A&M. He leads the AMBER Lab (Bipedal Robotics) and has secured major grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, and industry partners like Miso Robotics and SRI International.
Thomas Gray is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the Mike J. Walker ’66 Department. His research focuses on Human Strength Amplification, Wearable Robotics, and Control Systems, with a particular emphasis on exoskeleton design and biomechanical interaction. He leads the HERC Lab, aiming to advance direct control paradigms for physically interactive robots. Educational Background : Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2019) B.S., Engineering: Robotics, Olin College of Engineering (2012) Research Interests : Gray’s work centers on enhancing human performance through advanced robotic systems. Key areas include: Development of wearable devices for strength amplification and fatigue mitigation Design of series-elastic actuators and force/torque feedback mechanisms System identification for robust control in dynamic environments Optimization of mechanical impedance rendering for natural human-robot interaction Awards & Recognition : IEEE ICRA Best Manipulation Paper Award (2017) IJHR Best Paper Award (2016) NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship (2015) DARPA Virtual Robotics Challenge Winner (Team IHMC, 2013) Grants & Advising : Gray has secured significant funding for his research, including grants from NASA and DARPA. He advises students in robotics and control systems, though specific student names are not listed. Labs & Teams : He directs the Human-Empowering Robotics and Control (HERC) Lab, which explores next-generation robotics for human augmentation and direct control methodologies.
Qingguo Li is a Professor and Associate Head at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , Queen's University , and a member of the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute . He specializes in biomechanical system design, energy harvesting, wearable sensors, gait analysis, and load carriage systems. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and sensor technology to develop human-centric devices and mobility aids. Current Roles : Professor, Associate Head, Queen's University Research Institute : Ingenuity Labs Research Institute Lab : Bio-Mechatronics and Robotics Laboratory His work focuses on biomechanical energy harvesting , IMU-based motion analysis , and assistive device development . Key applications include stroke rehabilitation, gait monitoring, and wearable power generation systems. Articles span cable-driven robots , smart walkers , and 3D printing mechanisms , emphasizing human-robot interaction and dynamic modeling . The lab explores sensor calibration , adaptive control algorithms , and human movement optimization . Areas of impact include rehabilitation engineering , load carriage stability , wearable sensor accuracy , and assistive robotics . His team develops solutions for gait asymmetry detection , post-stroke mobility , and low-cost energy systems , leveraging machine learning and kinetic modeling .
Prof. Dr. Andreas Butz is a Full Professor and Chair for Human-Computer Interaction at the Department for Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). He leads the Media Informatics Group, focusing on innovative interaction techniques and interfaces in immersive environments like VR/AR, automotive systems, and smart spaces. His research emphasizes perceptual user interfaces, social robotics, and designing systems that balance invisibility with transparency. Key research areas include: Virtual/Augmented Reality interfaces for productivity and social interaction AI-driven decision support in safety-critical domains (aviation, healthcare) Haptic and wearable interaction technologies Automotive UI design for driver assistance systems Principles of explainable AI and human-AI collaboration His work bridges theory and practice through projects like: VR-based movement training systems AI trust calibration mechanisms Multi-modal interaction frameworks for automotive environments Systems for analyzing long-term music listening behavior Recent articles explore topics ranging from AI support in pilot decision-making to haptic wearables and creative writing interfaces. His team collaborates with industry partners on electric vehicle information systems and in-car interaction challenges.
John A. Rogers is the Louis Simpson and Kimberly Querrey Professor at Northwestern University, holding joint appointments in Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, and Neurological Surgery. He directs the Querrey-Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics. His work bridges soft materials science, bio-integrated electronics, and nanotechnology, with a focus on wearable medical devices, bioresorbable systems, and neural interfaces. Educations: B.A. & B.S. from University of Texas Austin (1989), S.M. from MIT (1992), Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from MIT (1995). Prior roles include Director of Bell Labs' Condensed Matter Physics Department and faculty positions at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Research emphasizes soft materials for bio-inspired electronics, including flexible sensors, microfluidic platforms, and bioresorbable implants. His lab has pioneered epidermal electronics, injectable optoelectronics, and neural interfacing systems. Over 1000 peer-reviewed publications and 100+ patents highlight his contributions to nanotechnology and biomedical engineering. Awards include the Benjamin Franklin Medal (2019), MRS Medal (2018), and MacArthur Fellowship (2009). He is a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Current projects span bioelectronic medicines, wearable health monitors, and advanced medical imaging tools.
Dr. Benjamin C.K. Tee is an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), affiliated with the College of Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He leads the Sensors.AI Labs, focusing on transforming materials science, mechanics, and biology into cutting-edge technologies for robotics and healthcare in the AI era. His research explores novel materials and fabrication techniques to develop flexible, stretchable electronic sensors. These innovations enable applications in human-machine interfaces, biomedical devices, and AI-driven robotic systems. Key areas include self-healing materials, large-scale tactile sensing, and wireless health monitoring. His work has garnered international acclaim, including the James Dyson Foundation Prize (International Winner, 2021), MIT TR35 Innovator (2015), and recognition as a World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2019). His inventions have been commercialized through co-founded startups Privi Medical (acquired in 2021) and Hannah Life Technologies. Scientific Awards: National Research Foundation Fellowship (2017) MIT TR35 Innovator (Global) (2015) World Economic Forum Young Scientist (2019) James Dyson Foundation Prize - International Winner (2021) IES Prestigious Engineering Award (2020) Stanford University Top 2% Scientists (2021)
Joseph A. Campbell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Purdue University, leading the Collaborative AI for Machines and People (CAMP) Lab. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Computer Science and Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. Before academia, he worked as a software engineer for five years. Prior to Purdue, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute. His research focuses on explainable machine learning and robotics, particularly how agents use explanations for self-improvement and decision-making. Key areas include theory of mind in multi-agent systems, lifelong learning, and interpretable transfer learning. His work bridges robotics and AI, with applications in human-robot interaction and prosthetic control. Notable publications include advancements in reinforcement learning with language models, multi-agent collaboration frameworks, and methods for enhancing state estimation in robots. His research has been presented at top conferences like NeurIPS, EMNLP, and CoRL. Dr. Campbell maintains an active GitHub profile (joe-campbell) with repositories such as Interaction Primitives for robotics applications. His lab, CAMP, explores AI systems that collaborate effectively with humans and other machines.
Dr. José del R. Millán is a Professor and holds the Linda Steen Norris & Lee Norris Endowed Chair in Neuroengineering at The University of Texas at Austin's Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He also serves as a Professor in Dell Medical School's Department of Neurology, a courtesy Professor in Biomedical Engineering, and is affiliated with the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute for Neuroscience, Texas Robotics, and the UT CARE Initiative. His work focuses on brain-machine interfaces (BMI), neuroprosthetics, and translating BMI technologies for individuals with motor/cognitive disabilities and able-bodied users. Education: PhD in Computer Science (1992, Technical University of Catalonia). Previous roles include Defitech Foundation Chair in Brain-Machine Interface at EPFL (Switzerland) and visiting scholar positions at Berkeley, Stanford, and the International Computer Science Institute. Research Interests: Neuroengineering, BMI applications in healthcare and assistive robotics, statistical machine learning for neural signals, and neurorehabilitation. Key contributions include EEG-based BMI systems, closed-loop neurostimulation, and wearable neurotechnology. Awards: IEEE Fellow (2017), Norbert Wiener Award (2011), and Fellow of the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering (2020). Grants & Labs: Co-director of UT CARE, leader in clinical neuroprosthetics and neurorobotics. Active in developing BMI-driven wheelchairs, VR integration for BCI, and EEG-based speech prosthetics. Research outputs emphasize translational neurotechnology, with projects funded by industry and governmental agencies. Labs/Teams: Clinical Neuroprosthetics & Brain Interaction Lab, Texas Robotics, Wireless Networking and Communications Group (WNCG).
