Nima Fazeli is an Assistant Professor of Robotics at the University of Michigan (2020–Present), holding courtesy appointments in Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) and Mechanical Engineering. He directs the Manipulation and Machine Intelligence (MMint) Lab, focusing on enabling dexterous robotic manipulation through multimodal representation learning, tactile sensing, and model-based reasoning. His work integrates mechanics, perception, controls, and planning to achieve autonomous interaction with uncertain environments. Education: PhD, MIT (2019); MSc, University of Maryland (2014); BSc, Amirkabir University of Technology (2011) Research interests emphasize embodied intelligence , including visuo-tactile fusion, contact dynamics modeling, and cross-modal learning. Recent work explores tactile shadows, deformable object manipulation, and language-guided robot control. His research is supported by the NSF CAREER grant and National Robotics Initiative, with applications in manufacturing, assistive robotics, and space systems. Publications span topics like tactile sensing hardware (e.g., GelSlim 4.0), visuo-tactile implicit representations (ViTaSCOPE), and failure recovery policies (Racer). His team’s work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times and BBC. Key Awards: NSF CAREER Grant (2024) Teaching includes Introduction to Robotic Manipulation . Collaborations involve cross-disciplinary projects with mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering groups.
Perla Maiolino serves as an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab (SRL) within the Oxford Robotics Institute. Her academic foundation includes BEng, MEng, and PhD degrees in Robotics and Automation from the University of Genoa, where she pioneered CySkin technology for distributed tactile sensing in robots—later exhibited at the Science Museum in London. She expanded her expertise during a 2017-2018 postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge University's Biologically Inspired Robotics Lab, focusing on soft robotics and tactile perception. Dr. Maiolino's research centers on developing artificial skin systems, soft robotic actuators, and distributed sensing architectures. Her work bridges biological inspiration with engineering innovation to create robots capable of safe human interaction and dexterous manipulation in unstructured environments. Key contributions include compliant beaded-string jamming mechanisms for anthropomorphic fingers, monolithic 3D-printed soft pneumatic arms (JAMMit!), and distributed time-of-flight sensor networks for robotic self-awareness. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong convergence of tactile sensing with machine learning, featuring optical flow for gesture recognition, diffusion models for artificial skin simulation, and zero-shot sim-to-real transfer techniques. Her team has made significant advances in multi-modal sensing integration, variable stiffness actuation, and scene flow estimation for robots operating in dynamic surroundings. Scientific Awards No specific awards were documented in the provided institutional materials. Advising and Grants While her leadership of the Soft Robotics Lab implies active student supervision and grant management, detailed information about advisees or funded projects was not included in the source documentation. Labs and Teams As Principal Investigator of the Soft Robotics Lab at Oxford Robotics Institute, Dr. Maiolino directs research on tactile perception systems, soft actuation mechanisms, and sensor-integrated robotic structures. The lab's work focuses on applications requiring safe physical interaction, including healthcare robotics and human-robot collaboration scenarios, with emphasis on multi-material 3D printing and embedded sensing technologies.
Raymond H. Cuijpers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Human Technology Interaction group. His research focuses on Cognitive Robotics , Human-Robot Interaction , and Artificial Intelligence for cognitive agents, with applications in healthcare robotics and aging population support. PhD in Physics of Man from Utrecht University (2000) Postdoctoral research at Erasmus MC Rotterdam and Radboud University Nijmegen Key research areas include: Developing socially intelligent robots with proper social cue interpretation Hybrid AI approaches for real-world complexity handling Visual-haptic perception integration in human motor control Service robots for COPD patient assistance (KSERA project) Rescue robotics and tele-operation applications Recent research output (2025) includes studies on: Personalization in human-robot communication Optimal lighting for elderly visual perception Human-robot bonding mechanisms Interactive sensorized platforms for homecare (GUARDIAN) Audiovisual temporal integration in virtual environments He coordinates large-scale European projects like GUARDIAN and previously KSERA, contributes to sustainable development goals through healthcare robotics, and serves on editorial boards of leading journals including International Journal of Social Robotics . His work spans both technical robotics development and human-centric interaction studies.
Ryan A. Stevenson is a Professor leading the Sensory Perception Research Lab at Western University. His research focuses on multisensory integration, perceptual binding, and how sensory inputs are processed into coherent perceptions. He employs methodologies such as fMRI, EEG, and behavioral psychophysical tasks to study cognitive processes across the lifespan and in clinical populations including autism spectrum disorder and cochlear implant users. Key research areas include the neural mechanisms underlying audiovisual speech perception, temporal and spatial factors in multisensory integration, and individual differences in sensory processing. Stevenson collaborates with global institutions and has published extensively in neuroscience and cognitive science journals. His lab actively recruits undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers, emphasizing participation from diverse groups. Recent work includes studies on autism symptomatology linked to sensory processing and advancements in cochlear implant research.
Alejandra Magana serves as the W.C. Furnas Professor in Enterprise Excellence of Applied and Creative Computing and Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue Polytechnic, Purdue University. She directs the ROCkETEd Lab and holds significant editorial roles including Deputy Editor for the Journal of Engineering Education and Co-Editor of the Education Department for IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications. Her leadership extends to multiple editorial boards in engineering and science education journals. Ph.D. in Engineering Education, Purdue University (2009) Post-doc in Engineering Education, Purdue University (2010) M.S. in Educational Technology, Purdue University (2007) M.S. in Electronic Commerce, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2003) B.S. in Information Systems Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2000) Magana's research focuses on how students develop computer and data science self-regulated learning skills through computational cognitive apprenticeship and authentic modeling practices. She investigates how learning analytics and AI can support student learning in computing-intensive domains and engineering thinking in K-12 education. Her work bridges educational theory with practical applications in STEM fields, emphasizing the integration of computational thinking across disciplines. She employs design-based research methodologies to create and evaluate innovative learning environments that leverage simulation, visualization, and emerging technologies. Analysis of Magana's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on collaborative learning in digital environments, with growing attention to AI applications in education. Her work spans multiple domains including virtual reality for STEM education, teamwork dynamics in software development, AI ethics education, and computational thinking assessment for teachers. A consistent theme is the development of representational competence through modeling and simulation practices, with increasing integration of learning analytics to understand student cognition and team processes. Fellow Member, American Society for Engineering Education (2024) Fulbright Specialists Appointment (2024) Purdue Polytechnic Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award (2021) W.C. Furnas Professorship (2020) Purdue University Faculty Scholar (2016) ASEE-ERM Apprentice Faculty Grant (2012) Magana leads multiple significant research grants totaling over $15 million, primarily from NSF, focusing on computational education, AI in learning environments, and engineering education transformation. Her ROCkETEd Lab serves as the hub for these research activities, which often involve interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, computer science, and education. She has mentored numerous graduate students who appear as co-authors on her publications, though specific advising relationships aren't explicitly documented. Her research program demonstrates strong continuity from foundational work on modeling and simulation to current projects integrating generative AI and immersive technologies. The ROCkETEd Lab (Research in Organizing Computational Knowledge for Engineering Thinking and Education) functions as Magana's primary research unit, focusing on computational cognitive apprenticeship approaches. The lab investigates how students develop representational fluency through modeling and simulation practices, with recent expansion into AI-enabled learning environments. Current projects examine hidden curricula in computer science education, high-performance computing virtual environments for AI education, and culturally relevant programming learning experiences. The lab maintains strong industry and international partnerships, particularly with institutions involved in advanced manufacturing and educational technology development.
Tim Schneider is a Ph.D. student at the Intelligent Autonomous Systems lab of Technische Universität Darmstadt , working in collaboration with École Centrale de Lyon under the Aristotle project. His research focuses on robotics , particularly at the intersection of active perception , tactile sensing , and robotic manipulation . His work investigates how robots can develop environmental understanding through physical interaction , drawing parallels to children's exploratory behavior . Key projects include tactile reinforcement learning , active inference for manipulation , and visuo-tactile sensor fusion in dynamic tasks. Recent publications emphasize foundation models for tactile learning , sensor simulation (TacEx), and multi-modal control systems (AllmAN). He supervises theses on topics ranging from teleoperation feedback to haptic MNIST benchmarks , with a focus on reinforcement learning applications in robotic systems.
Katherine J. Kuchenbecker is the Director of the Haptic Intelligence Department at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany, and an Honorary Professor at the University of Stuttgart. She previously held a tenured position as an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on haptic interfaces and sensing systems, enabling users to interact with virtual and distant objects through touch. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and completed postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University. Her academic journey includes leadership roles such as co-chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on Haptics and associate editorships for major conferences. She has received numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award (2009), IEEE Academic Early Career Award (2012), and elevation to IEEE Fellow (2021). Her work spans applications in medical robotics, teleoperation, and human-robot interaction. Kuchenbecker’s research emphasizes translating haptic technology into real-world applications, such as surgical training, tactile feedback in virtual environments, and assistive devices. Her team’s contributions include innovations in wearable haptic devices and tactile sensing for robots. She frequently delivers keynote addresses and chairs international conferences, furthering the field’s global impact. Her publications highlight advancements in haptic feedback systems, surgical robotics, and biomimetic sensors. She also advocates for diversity and leadership in academia, serving as Spokesperson for the International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems since 2017.
Kay Pompetzki is a Ph.D. student and Lecturer at the Intelligent Autonomous Systems Lab in the Department of Computer Science at Technische Universität Darmstadt . Previously known as Kay Hansel, his research focuses on Robot Learning , Machine Learning , and Human-Robot Interaction . He has contributed to projects involving optimal control , reinforcement learning , and visuo-tactile integration . Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences Master's in Autonomous Systems, TU Darmstadt Visiting Scholar, Intelligent Robotics and Biomechatronics Laboratory (Nagoya University, 2023) Junior Expert Exchange Program delegate (2024) His publications span robot motion planning , goal inference , and sensor integration . Recent work includes tensor-based motion planning, kinematic graph matching, and telerobotics with haptic feedback. He has received recognition for Best Paper Awards in IEEE conferences. Advisor for 20+ theses and projects Reviewer for IEEE IROS, ICRA, CoRL, RSS, and ML workshops
Dr. Wesley Roozing is an Assistant Professor at the Robotics and Mechatronics (RaM) group and Robotics Centre of the University of Twente, Netherlands. He holds a PhD from the Italian Institute of Technology (2018) and was a visiting student at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics. His research focuses on compliant actuation, mechatronic co-design, energy-efficient systems, bio-inspired mechanisms, and control methodologies. He actively contributes to the robotics community through roles such as chair of the euRobotics Mechatronics Topic Group, associate editor for IROS and BioRob, and organizer of ICRA events. His work emphasizes high-performance robotics for applications like jumping, grasping, and athletic feats, with publications in top journals and conferences like IJRR, T-MECH, and ICRA. Education: PhD in Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology (2018) Visiting Student, Australian Centre for Field Robotics Research interests include advanced actuation systems, motor-gearing integration, and safety-critical control strategies. He leads national/international projects and teaches courses on energy-based modeling. His research bridges electric motor innovations with mechanical design to achieve dynamic robot capabilities. Notable awards include an honorable mention for the RA-L Best Paper Award (2021). His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9) through advancements in energy-efficient robotics. Advising and Grants: Coordinates research projects, advises on robotics program development, and serves on examination boards. His grants fund collaborative efforts in mechatronics and robotics education. Labs/Teams: Part of the Robotics and Mechatronics group at University of Twente, contributing to the Robotics Centre’s interdisciplinary initiatives.
Xiaoxiao Cheng is a Lecturer in Engineering Systems for Robotics at the University of Manchester's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Previously, he held roles as a Research Associate at Imperial College London (2020-2023) and a Research Fellow at Stanford University (2019-2020). He earned a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from The University of Melbourne (2019), M.Phil. in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University (2014), and B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Beijing Institute of Technology (2011). His research focuses on intelligent autonomous systems and human-machine interfaces, integrating robotics, control theory, AI, and neuroscience. Key areas include adaptive control for human-robot interaction, sensory integration, intention detection, and multi-sensory feedback for applications in manufacturing and hazardous environments. He actively explores autonomous navigation and computational modeling to enhance human-machine collaboration. Recent publications emphasize haptic feedback systems, shared control in robotic surgery, and multimodal sensory datasets. His work contributes to SDGs related to industry innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable cities. Xiaoxiao Cheng welcomes prospective PhD students in robotics, control systems, and human-machine interaction. He is open to collaborations and can be contacted at Xiaoxiao.cheng@manchester.ac.uk .
Prof. Dr. Martin Weigel serves as a Professor of Computer Science with a focus on Human Machine Interfaces at the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM), working within the Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Computer Science. His contact information includes email martin.weigel@mni.thm.de, office A10.8.09 at Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390 Gießen, and phone +49 641 309 - 2478. His academic credentials include: Dr.-Ing. in Computer Science from Saarland University (2017) M.Sc. in Computer Science from Saarland University (2014) B.Sc. in Computer Science from TU Darmstadt (2010) Before joining THM in 2021, Dr. Weigel worked as a Senior Scientist at the Honda Research Institute Europe (2017-2021). His research centers on interactive systems and innovative technologies, particularly novel mobile and wearable devices. His work spans touch-sensitive stickers for interaction on the skin, flexible and deformable input/output devices, drone interaction, haptics, and virtual reality. He develops concepts through rapid prototyping using 3D printing, laser cutting, and printed electronics, followed by user evaluation studies. Dr. Weigel's publication record from 2013-2025 shows consistent focus on human-computer interaction with increasing specialization in virtual reality interfaces, haptic feedback systems, and human-drone interaction. His recent work demonstrates practical applications in care settings and safety awareness systems, reflecting a progression from foundational on-skin interface research to complex integrated systems. As an educator, Dr. Weigel teaches Practical Computer Science, Interactive Systems, Evaluation of Interactive Systems, and Haptic User Interfaces across multiple semesters. He actively supervises bachelor's and master's theses, offering projects in interactive software development, hardware construction, and user studies on emerging technologies. Students must access his Moodle course for thesis supervision to understand requirements and available topics.
Srinath Sridhar serves as the John E. Savage Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Brown University, where he directs the Interactive 3D Vision & Learning Lab (IVL). His research program centers on 3D computer vision and artificial intelligence, specifically developing foundational methods for 4D spatiotemporal visual understanding of objects, human motion, and human-object interactions in dynamic environments. His academic foundation includes a PhD from the Max-Planck Institute (2016), an MSE from the University of Michigan (2012), and a BE from Anna University (2010). Prior to his faculty position, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University under Leonidas Guibas and gained industry experience at Microsoft Research and Honda Research Institute. Research interests span 3D computer vision, artificial intelligence, human-object interaction, robot perception, and deep learning. The IVL lab pioneers techniques for modeling complex 4D visual phenomena, with emphasis on real-world applicability in robotics and virtual environments. Current work integrates geometric computer vision with deep learning to solve challenges in dynamic scene understanding. Analysis of recent publications (2024-2025) reveals dominant trends in 3D vision, generative modeling, and human-robot interaction. Key themes include Gaussian splatting optimization, diffusion-based 3D generation, hand-object manipulation, and multimodal perception. The work consistently bridges theoretical advances with practical robotics applications, particularly in pose estimation, tactile sensing, and dynamic scene decomposition. His scientific recognition includes: NSF CAREER award Google Research Scholar award Best Student Paper award at WACV 2025 Best Paper Honorable Mention at Eurographics 2019 Sridhar teaches core computer vision courses including CSCI 1430 (Computer Vision) and specialized graduate seminars on 3D vision and robot perception. He maintains active research partnerships through his roles as Amazon Scholar and Visiting Faculty at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), supported by grants from NSF and industry collaborators. The Interactive 3D Vision & Learning Lab (IVL) operates as a multidisciplinary hub for advancing 3D perception, with ongoing projects in generative 3D modeling, real-time pose tracking, and embodied AI. The lab emphasizes open collaboration and maintains strong ties with robotics research groups at Brown and industry partners.
Jutta Billino serves as Associate Professor in the Department of General Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen, where she has held academic positions since 2008. Her research examines interindividual differences in visual perception and sensorimotor control across the adult lifespan, with particular focus on how sensory, motor, cognitive, and motivational processes interact in healthy aging and neurological conditions. Her academic background includes a Diploma in Psychology from Justus Liebig University Giessen and University of Utah (1992-1998), state certification as Psychological Psychotherapist (1999-2002), Clinical Neuropsychology certification (1999-2005), and PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) from JLU Giessen in 2009. Her doctoral work investigated motion processing pathways in humans under Prof. Karl Gegenfurtner. Professor Billino's research program explores visual perception and sensorimotor control through behavioral experiments with healthy adults and neurological patients. Her work reveals how aging affects visual confidence, tactile suppression during movement, and multisensory integration, demonstrating that cognitive control capacities mediate age-related differences. Current projects examine memory for unexpected objects in real-world scenes and cross-modal metacognition, highlighting preserved abilities in older adults through compensatory mechanisms. Recent publications (2018-2023) show consistent focus on aging and perception, with key contributions in visual confidence mechanisms, sensorimotor predictions, and multisensory integration. Her work spans experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical neuropsychology, frequently employing eye-tracking, behavioral paradigms, and patient studies to uncover lifespan trajectories in perceptual processing. Her scientific recognition includes: DFG Graduate College Fellowship (2004-2008) in 'Neuronal Representation and Action Control' As academic supervisor, she guides PhD candidates in perceptual aging research and secures third-party funding for her laboratory investigations. Her teaching integrates clinical neuropsychology with experimental methods, reflecting her dual expertise in research and clinical practice. She maintains active collaborations across European institutions, particularly in motion perception and aging research networks. Professor Billino leads a research group within the Department of General Psychology focused on visual perception across the lifespan. Her team employs behavioral testing, eye-tracking, and patient studies to investigate how sensory, motor, and cognitive processes interact during aging. Current projects examine confidence calibration in multisensory tasks and neural mechanisms underlying preserved perceptual abilities in older adults, with implications for healthy aging interventions.
Dr. Krishnankutty Sathian is Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology, Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, and Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania State University. He also serves as Director of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute and maintains an active research program with numerous publications and significant grant funding. His educational background includes: MBBS from Christian Medical College (completed 1980) Postdoctoral Training at Christian Medical College Hospital (1980-1983) PhD in Neuroscience from University of Melbourne (1983-1987) Postdoctoral Training at Washington University School of Medicine (1987-1990) Medical Internship at Grant Hospital (1990-1991) Neurology Residency at University of Chicago Medical Center (1991-1994) Dr. Sathian is a distinguished cognitive neurologist and neuroscientist whose research focuses on cognitive and visual neurorehabilitation , multisensory perception , and the interfaces between perception and language . His work has been continuously funded by the NIH for 25 years, with additional support from NSF, VA, and private foundations. He has authored numerous publications and book chapters, serving as co-editor of influential volumes on cognitive plasticity (2015) and multisensory perception (2019). His extensive publication record spanning from 1983 to present demonstrates consistent contributions to neuroscience, with recent work focusing on multisensory integration, neurorehabilitation techniques, and the neural basis of cognitive functions. His research employs advanced neuroimaging techniques and spans from fundamental neuroscience to clinical applications for neurological disorders. Dr. Sathian has received significant recognition for his contributions to the field: Fellow, American Academy of Neurology (FAAN) Fellow, American Neurological Association (FANA) Fellow, American Society of Neurorehabilitation (FASNR) Honorary Fellow, Royal College of Physicians of London (FRCP) The Albert E. Levy Scientific Research Award (2001) As Principal Investigator or Co-PI, Dr. Sathian has led multiple major research initiatives including "Crossmodal Correspondences Between Visual and Auditory Features," "Mentoring Emory Neuroclinician Trainees in Research (MENTIR)," and "Perceptual Plasticity-Based Neurorehabilitation." He has served on numerous NIH, VA, and Department of Defense study sections and maintains editorial board positions with several prominent neuroscience journals including Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, Multisensory Research, Neuroscience Letters, and Psychological Science. As Director of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute, Dr. Sathian oversees a comprehensive neuroscience research enterprise that integrates basic and clinical neuroscience across multiple departments and colleges within the university, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in neurology, neuroscience, psychology, and related fields.
Sinan Haliyo is a Professor at the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR), Sorbonne University, Paris, where he leads the 'Multiscale Interactions' research team. His academic career spans over two decades, with significant contributions to robotics, particularly in micromanipulation, haptics, and human-computer interaction. Dr. Haliyo earned his Doctorate from Pierre and Marie Curie University in 2002 with a thesis on "Adhesion forces and dynamic effects for micromanipulation," supervised by Prof. Jean-Claude Guinot. In 2019, he obtained his Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR) from Sorbonne University with the thesis "Multi-Scale Interactions," demonstrating his capacity to lead independent research and supervise doctoral candidates. His research broadly focuses on robotics and interactivity—designing teleoperated robots for specific applications and developing systems that allow operators to perceive what they are controlling through haptic and multimodal interfaces. Starting with microrobotics in the late 1990s, his work has expanded to encompass human-robot interaction, haptics, virtual reality, and human-machine interfaces. His multidisciplinary approach involves collaboration with roboticists, psychologists, neuroscientists, and biologists. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on optical microrobotics, biomedical applications, and haptic interfaces. His team is advancing techniques for precise micro-manipulation using optical tweezers combined with deep learning, developing medical microrobots for applications like biliary procedures and in vitro fertilization, and creating innovative haptic interfaces for surgical training and virtual reality. The research spans multiple disciplines including robotics, biomedical engineering, computer vision, and neuroscience. IROS'09 Best application Mechatronics Journal 2010 Triennal Best paper MARSS 2019 Best Paper World Haptics 2021 Best ToH Short Paper Hon. Ment. ISOT 2021 Best Student Paper INTERACT 2021 IFIP TC13 Pioneers' Award for Best Doctoral Student Paper Dr. Haliyo has supervised 14 theses to completion with 6 currently in progress, representing a total supervision rate of 390% (approximately 60% per thesis on average throughout his career). He has coordinated multiple significant research projects including ANR IOTA (Interactive Optical Tweezers), ANR OptoBots, and 3BIOT (Robotic Optical Tweezers for Biology). His research is funded by Sorbonne University, the Ile-de-France Region, ANR grants, and private companies including Percipio Robotics, Robeauté, and Segula. As leader of the Multiscale Interactions team at ISIR (since January 2019), Dr. Haliyo oversees a research group comprising 4 faculty members, 4 researchers, and 15 PhD students. Previously, he animated the Microrobotics group within the ISIR interaction team (2016-2019) and has been responsible for the ISIR Assisted Micromanipulation Platform since 2015, which serves as a node of the CNRS National Micro-Nanorobotics Platform and recipient of the Labex Robotex.
