Mr. Richardo Khonasty is a Senior Research Engineer at the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He has held appointments at UTS since 2019, including roles at the Centre for Autonomous Systems and Robotics Institute. He also serves as a Tutor since 2016. PhD in Robotics (2020), UTS B.Eng. in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (2014), UTS Khonasty's research focuses on robotics and human-robot collaboration, with applications in surgical robotics (total hip replacement), industrial automation (abrasive blasting), and green wall inspection systems. His work emphasizes kinematic accuracy, adaptive control schemes, and cost-effective robotic solutions. His recent publications explore robotic-assisted burring for orthopedic surgery, damping strategies for singularity management, and exoskeleton design frameworks. Khonasty is currently involved in funded research related to hydraulic tooling safety under the BTP - Stage 2 - IntelliForce Tooling grant.
Edward Ashworth is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. He is affiliated with the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory and the Heat and Health Research Incubator. His research focuses on human adaptations to extreme environments, including heat, altitude, hyperbaric conditions, and space-related stressors. Key projects include improving sleep quality in hot environments and enhancing physical work capacity for outdoor workers. Edward's research interests span environmental physiology, with a focus on thermal tolerance, radiation injury mitigation, and the physiological effects of extreme conditions. He has contributed to studies involving nitrogen kinetics tracking using PET imaging, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and robotic surgery applications. Awards: Young Investigator Award (2023), Art of Science Contest 1st Prize (2024), Australia Space Biology Summit 1st Place (2022), and Sporting Blue (Auckland University of Technology). Associations: The Physiological Society and American Physiological Society. His work integrates clinical trials, statistical research design, and translational approaches to address challenges in environmental health, cardiovascular disease, and healthy ageing. Current projects aim to optimize thermal tolerance strategies for military and occupational settings.
Professor David Abbink is a Full Professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at Delft University of Technology, holding a joint appointment between the Department of Cognitive Robotics in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering since November 2023. He founded the Delft Haptics Lab and co-founded the Cognitive Robotics Department in 2017. Abbink leads the transdisciplinary research and innovation centre FRAIM, which was awarded the prestigious NWO Stevin Premie (Dutch Nobel Prize equivalent) in June 2024. Trained as a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics, Abbink's research focuses on human behavior adaptations when interacting with autonomous systems. He has published over a hundred scientific articles on human-robot interaction, haptics, shared control, tele-operation, driver assistance systems, and sensorimotor control. His research has been funded by industry partners (Nissan, Boeing, Renault), RVO (Brightsky project 2022-2026), and the Dutch Science Foundation NWO through personal grants (VENI 2010-2014, VIDI 2015-2019). Abbink's recent work centers on worker-robot relations as an academic focus, collaborating with organizations like Erasmus Medical Centre for nursing work, Schiphol and KLM for baggage handling, and KLM Engine Repair Services for maintenance work. He also serves as scientific director for the Centre for Meaningful Human Control, launched in October 2024. His work bridges engineering, social sciences, and practical applications to responsibly shape the future of work with emerging robotic capabilities. NWO Stevin Premie (2024) Best IEEE SMC journal paper on Cybernetics (2019) Top 25 scientific talents according to New Scientist (2015) Best teacher of Faculty 3mE (2013, 2014) Best teacher of Department of BioMechanical Engineering (seven consecutive years) Abbink has supervised over 110 MSc students and 11 PhD students. His educational contributions include developing the Master Programme in Robotics at TU Delft and receiving international recognition for his course 'The Human Controller.' He is also a prominent science communicator, featured on national television, radio, and major Dutch newspapers, and has delivered lectures at venues like The Royal Institution and Lowlands Festival. Despite his academic commitments, Abbink maintains a drummer persona, having recorded four albums and performed over 400 shows across three continents between 1999-2014.
Dr. Rhiannon Firth is a Lecturer in Sociology of Education in the Department of Education, Practice and Society at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL). She also serves as the Programme Leader for the MA in Sociology of Education. Her academic career spans interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Sociology, Education, and Politics, with a focus on utopian ideals and pedagogical practices of social and ecological movements. Dr. Firth's educational background includes: First Class BA (Hons) in Combined Studies (Politics, English Literature and Economic and Social History) from the University of Leicester ESRC-funded MA in Political Science (Distinction) from the University of Nottingham PhD in Political Sociology from the University of Nottingham Her research focuses on how grassroots social movements create knowledge and mobilize social change around global "wicked" problems including inequality, climate change, technological developments, and pandemics. She has conducted funded research with self-managed sustainable communities in the UK and USA, grassroots disaster relief movements including Occupy Sandy New York and COVID-19 Mutual Aid London, and organizations using automation technology in experimental ways. Dr. Firth's recent publications reflect her ongoing exploration of utopian and dystopian themes across multiple domains. Her work spans analyses of pandemic responses, ecological breakdown, industrial technology, and community organizing. A strong thread throughout her scholarship examines how prefigurative politics and mutual aid practices offer alternatives to mainstream approaches to social organization, particularly in times of crisis. Her research increasingly focuses on the intersection of technology, labor, and utopian thinking, particularly examining how automation and cybernetics might be reimagined through radical social movements. Among her significant recognitions: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), earned in 2017 ESRC funding for her MA studies Dr. Firth has secured research funding from multiple sources including ESRC, ISRF, EPSRC, HEFCE, local councils, and UCL Grand Challenges. She supervises MA dissertations annually and currently mentors one PhD student. Her professional activities include media engagement (such as appearing on BBC Radio 4's The Moral Maze), conference presentations, and serving as ECR Representative for the Utopian Studies Society of Europe. She is actively involved with research groups and networks focused on utopian studies, social movements, and critical pedagogy, contributing to the vibrant intellectual community around alternative futures and radical educational practices.
René M.B.M. de Koster is a Full Professor of Logistics and Operations Management at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University, where he has been a faculty member since 1995. He holds a PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology (1988) and is a leading expert in warehousing, material handling, and sustainable logistics. PhD, Eindhoven University of Technology, 1988 Professor, RSM, Erasmus University, 1995–present Honorary Francqui Chair, Hasselt University, 2018 His research focuses on warehousing systems , robotics in logistics , container terminals , and behavioural operations . He integrates operations research with real-world logistics challenges, emphasizing sustainability and automation. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and industry innovation. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend toward autonomous systems and AI-driven logistics , particularly in robotic fulfillment, dynamic routing, and human-robot collaboration. These works reflect interdisciplinary engagement with computer science, industrial engineering, and behavioural science. Notable scientific awards include: IISE Annual Conference Best Student Paper Award (2024) Transportation Science Paper of the Year (2023) EJOR Best Paper Award (2023) Best European Journal of Operational Research Review Paper (2022) Best Paper Finalist at major logistics conferences Professor de Koster has supervised over 30 students and is actively involved in editorial service for top journals such as Transportation Science , Production and Operations Management , and International Journal of Production Research . He is chairman of Stichting Logistica and founder of the Material Handling Forum, contributing significantly to both academic and industry advancement in logistics. He leads research in advanced logistics labs focusing on robotic sorting, mobile fulfillment, and sustainable supply chains, often in collaboration with European institutions and industry partners.
Professor Damian Grimshaw is Professor of Employment Studies at King's College London's King's Business School, where he serves as Associate Dean for Research Impact. He is also London & South Forum Co-Lead for the Productivity Institute. Previously, he was Director of the Research Department at the International Labour Organisation (Geneva, 2018-19) and Professor at the University of Manchester, where he served as Head of the HR and Employment Relations and Law group and Director of the European Work and Employment Research Centre. Professor Grimshaw's research spans multiple disciplines including labour market analysis, comparative employment relations, feminist economics, sociology of work, and management. His work focuses on international comparisons of low-wage labour markets, outsourcing and HRM, technology and the future of work, precarious work, collective bargaining, and gender inequality. His research has strong policy impact across UK, European and international arenas. Recent publications reveal a clear trend toward examining the future of work through multiple lenses: collective bargaining structures, digital labor platforms, gendered impacts of pandemic policies, and regional approaches to decent work. His work consistently addresses how institutional frameworks shape employment outcomes across different national contexts and sectors. Professor Grimshaw has received significant research funding from major organizations including the British Academy, ESRC, European Commission, International Labour Organisation, Leverhulme Trust, Low Pay Commission, OECD, and Russell Sage Foundation. He coordinates a major UKRI research programme on human capital and productivity and leads the Regional Productivity Forum for London and the South alongside Marcela Miozzo and Mario Gruber. His ongoing research projects include precarious work in Europe and the gender inequalities of the Covid-19 pandemic and recession. During 2021-22, he taught 'Globalisation and Employment' on the MSc in HRM and Employment Relations and 'International HRM' to undergraduates. His research team is actively engaged in projects examining automation in knowledge-intensive business services and artificial intelligence's impact on occupations, with particular focus on the UK and US contexts.
Daniel Ventus is a Project Leader at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, specializing in interdisciplinary research across Psychology, Sexual Health, and Educational Technology. He leads the Experience Lab Health-related solutions and contributes to EU-funded projects like INTAKT and APOLLO2028 , focusing on academic procrastination interventions and healthcare worker resilience. Key research areas: Premature Ejaculation, High-Intensity Interval Training, Resilience Processes, Educational Robotics, and Mental Health interventions Recipient of the 2024 Best Poster Presentation Award at SWESrii for internet interventions His recent publications (2024-2025) examine: HIIT's impact on ejaculation control Real-time resilience assessment tools LLM-powered language learning systems for vulnerable children Physiological and psychological factors in sexual dysfunction As a peer reviewer for journals including Andrology and Scientific Reports , he contributes to multiple disciplines. Media visibility includes coverage in Finland-Swedish educational initiatives and sexual health research outreach (2018-2025).
Mauro Caselli is Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Management at the University of Trento's School of International Studies. His expertise spans economic growth, development economics, globalization, microeconomics, international organizations, and European studies. Research examines labor market dynamics, including technological impacts on employment, immigration economics, minimum wage policies, and pandemic-related economic behaviors. Recent publications analyze robotization effects on local employment (2025), COVID-19 workplace contagion risks (2021), and electoral biases in low-density voting (2022). Italian labor markets feature prominently in his empirical work. Teaching covers International Economics, Introduction to Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Global Scenarios.
Dr. Karina Gallardo is a Professor and Extension Economist at Washington State University (WSU), affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). Her research focuses on enhancing value-added opportunities for specialty crops, particularly in tree fruit economics, consumer demand analysis, and the economics of technological adoption in agriculture. Dr. Gallardo holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University (2007), an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Mississippi State University (2004), and degrees in Food Science and Technology Engineering and B.Sc. from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Peru (2000 and 1997). Research Interests: She investigates consumer preferences for fresh fruit quality, technology adoption by growers (e.g., robotic harvesters, pest management systems), and economic viability of new agricultural technologies. Her work addresses labor economics, environmental impacts, and market dynamics. Grants & Collaborations: Dr. Gallardo leads or participates in USDA-NIFA-SCRI projects totaling over $4.3 million, including robotic harvest systems, disease management, and breeding program efficiency. She collaborates with institutions like Cornell University and USDA-ARS on projects involving fruit storage, mechanization, and pest management. Labs/Teams: While specific labs are not highlighted, her work is aligned with WSU’s extension programs, bridging research and practical applications for growers.
Priyanko Guchait is a tenured Full Professor and Program Director of the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership , University of Houston. His research focuses on organizational behavior, leadership, human resources, and service management in hospitality contexts, with over 75 peer-reviewed articles published. Education: B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Pune, India M.S. in Hospitality Management, University of Missouri M.S. in Human Resources and Employment Relations Ph.D. in Hospitality Management, The Pennsylvania State University Research Interests include error management culture, psychological safety, service recovery performance, leader behavioral integrity, and AI’s impact on hospitality workers’ mental health. His work examines shame, forgiveness climate, and team dynamics in service environments. Article Trends show a focus on multi-level error management, human-robot collaboration in service recovery, diversity inclusion climates, and cross-cultural leadership studies. Recent papers explore AI ethics, pandemic response strategies, and emotional labor in hospitality roles. Awards & Honors Stephen Rushmore/HVS Research Excellence Award (2023, 2015) Donald Greenaway Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Service Award (2022) Best Paper Award, The Service Industries Journal (2023) ICHRIE Faculty Collegiality Award (2021) ICHRIE McCool Breakthrough Award (2021) Honored as 50-in-5 Scholar (2021) Provost’s Excellence Award (2015) Best Reviewer Awards (IJCHM 2016-2017) Committee & Editorial Roles include Associate Editor of IJCHM, Coordinating Editor of IJHM, and leadership positions at ICHRIE (President 2020-2021, Vice President 2019-2020). He has served on university curriculum, research, and Ph.D. selection committees.
Dr. Maciej Jarota is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Labor Law and Social Security within the Faculty of Law, Canon Law and Administration at the Catholic University of Lublin. His academic career focuses on collective labor law, occupational health and safety, and the intersection of technology with labor ethics. He teaches courses on work environment protection, labor law, and mediation practices. Research Areas: Collective Dispute Resolution, Occupational Health and Safety, AI in Workplace, Polish Diaspora Media Studies Key Contributions: Publications on social arbitration, mediation frameworks, and nanoethics in labor law Jarota's publications span topics from collective dispute mechanisms to ethical implications of AI in occupational health. His awards include recognition from the District Chamber of Legal Advisers in Lublin for contributions to legal self-government. Active in scientific organizations like the World Council for the Study of Polish Diaspora, he has pursued grants for research on European labor dispute resolution methods.
Marco Rozendaal is a researcher at Delft University of Technology's Industrial Design Engineering department, specializing in Human-Centered Design and Human Technology Relations. He focuses on ethical dimensions of technology, human-robot interaction, wearable health solutions, and critical design philosophies. His work bridges theoretical research and practical applications, such as designing embodied coaches for stroke rehabilitation and exploring moral stress in technical practice. Research Interests: Rozendaal investigates how technology impacts human behavior and ethics, emphasizing embodied interaction, friction in digital systems, and healthcare innovations. Notable areas include AI ethics, wearable technologies for body awareness, and the sociotechnical implications of robotics in workplaces and healthcare settings. His projects often involve interdisciplinary collaborations with theater professionals, medical practitioners, and farmers. Publications Trends: His recent work highlights themes like moral stress in technical fields, human-robot collaboration in mixed-reality environments, and ethical design frameworks. Key contributions include guidelines for robot communication in dairy farming and critical analyses of seamless technology's societal impacts. Awards: He received the 2018 Best Paper Award for exploring ambiguity in behavioral design, recognizing his contributions to design theory and ethics. Teaching & Projects: Rozendaal teaches courses like Design in Robotics and Videography . He leads research initiatives such as Wearable Technology for Increased Body Awareness and MUG CUP , which support parents of hospitalized children. His work also addresses the 'New Normal' in post-pandemic design practices. Labs & Teams: His research is conducted within TU Delft's Human-Centered Design group, collaborating with industry partners and academic networks to advance ethical and human-centric technological solutions.
Denny Yu is an Associate Professor at the Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University. His work bridges human factors, neuroergonomics, and healthcare safety through advanced sensor systems and AI. Primary Affiliation : Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University Research Themes : Surgical ergonomics, autonomous vehicle human factors, cognitive workload assessment, multimodal physiological sensing Dr. Yu's research focuses on neuroergonomics and human-robot interaction , particularly in surgical and transportation contexts. His team develops sensor-based systems for workload monitoring, including: EEG-eye tracking fusion for situation awareness Wearable exoskeletons for surgical posture support Computer vision tools for lifting task risk analysis Smart infusion pump usability frameworks AI-driven surgical coaching systems Recent publications emphasize deep learning applications in soft tissue deformation estimation and real-time adaptive systems for robotic surgery augmentation. His work spans both occupational health (veterinary surgeons, airport workers) and medical device innovation domains.
Alexander Mertens serves as Associate Professor and Department Head of the Institute of Industrial Engineering within RWTH Aachen University's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, concurrently leading the Ergonomics and Human-Machine Systems group. His dual doctorates (Dr.-Ing. and Dr. rer. medic.) underpin his interdisciplinary approach bridging engineering and medical sciences. His research centers on human-centered technology integration , with core interests in Ergonomics , Human-Machine Systems , and Virtual Reality applications . He investigates physiological workload monitoring, human-robot collaboration, and inclusive workplace design—particularly through AR/VR systems and sensor-based interventions for manufacturing and healthcare contexts. His work emphasizes translating biomechanical and psychosocial insights into practical solutions for worker safety and performance. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: human-robot collaboration in manufacturing (evident in VR-based robot assistance studies), physiological workload assessment (using pupillometry and multimodal signals), and workplace health innovation (addressing interruptions, musculoskeletal disorders, and aging populations). These threads consistently prioritize human factors in digital transformation across automotive, healthcare, and industrial domains. Prof. Mertens directs the Ergonomics and Human-Machine Systems laboratory, driving initiatives like AixistenzRobotik (Aachen Competence Center for Interactive Robotics in Health/Care) and workHEALTH (holistic prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders). His team develops adaptive interfaces for inclusive factories and evaluates digital escape signage through age-differentiated studies, maintaining strong industry partnerships for real-world implementation.
R. Karina Gallardo is a Professor and Extension Economist at Washington State University’s School of Economic Sciences. Her work bridges research and outreach to enhance value-added agribusiness opportunities for specialty crops in Washington state. Education: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics (Oklahoma State University, 2007), M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics (Mississippi State University, 2004), and degrees in Food Science/Technology from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Peru). Her research focuses on consumer demand analysis and technological change economics , with emphasis on: Consumer preferences for fresh fruit quality Profitability of new cultivar adoption Labor-saving agricultural technologies Willingness-to-pay for clean labels and biotech Market responses to nutrition information Recent work includes economic viability of robotic harvesters, H-2A labor preference modeling, and CRISPR technology acceptance in cranberries. Grants from USDA-NIFA-SCRI (total $84,912–$276,224 per project) support her studies on storage technologies, automated harvest systems, and pest management. Collaborations span institutions like Cornell, University of Minnesota, and Michigan State University. She employs experimental auctions, sensory evaluations, and choice experiments to analyze market dynamics for tree fruits, berries, and processed foods.
