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What I Do
Intelligent Robotics
Welcome to my personal webpage.
I am an Assistant Professor at the School of Mathematical and Computer Science in Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD) since 2023. Prior to joining HWUD, I was a Lead Scientist in Robot Control and Learning at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi (UAE). Previously, I was an Assistant Professor in AI and Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, UK.
My main research interest is in Cognitive Robotics–endowing a robot with intelligent behaviours to deal with uncertain and unfamiliar environments. His areas of expertise include probabilistic robotics, robot planning and learning, robot manipulation, and generative models.
Further info:
orcid.org/0000-0002-2943-3518
My research interests
My selected publications
RTD
I have 10+ years of experience in research and technological development (RTD), specializing in high-tech robotics projects. As a trained scientist in AI, machine learning, and robotics, I’ve published 20+ scientific papers. I’ve contributed to EU FP7 projects, collaborated with prestigious institutions, and led the development of cutting-edge robotic research labs.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence involves creating intelligent systems capable of human-like tasks. I specialize in cognitive robotics, developing AI technologies for robots to perceive, reason, learn, and make decisions. My work aims to advance the field and create autonomous and adaptive intelligent robotic systems.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is the process of teaching systems to learn and improve from experience without explicit programming. I am specialized in mapping perception to actions, decision-making, deep and reinforcement learning. With my expertise in machine learning, I can develop innovative solutions and advance the capabilities of intelligent systems.
Robotics
Robotics involves the design and development of robots. I specialize in robot manipulation and grasping, particularly addressing the challenge of contact with the environment. Overcoming this hurdle requires developing precise control mechanisms that enable robots to interact effectively and adapt to various surfaces and objects. Through my work, I strive to advance the capabilities of robot manipulation, pushing the boundaries of what robots can achieve in real-world applications.
R&D
Awards & Grants
Birmingham International Engagement Fund (BIEF),
Grant for UoB & Waseda University Collaboration, Nov 2018.Paul & Yuanbi Ramsay Research Fund, May 2018.
College Best Paper Awards, UoB, Feb 2018.
Paul & Yuanbi Ramsay Research Fund, Dec 2017.
University of Birmingham, “Phd-led seminar funding”, 2016.
Guarantor of Brain, “Support for short meetings & conferences”, 2012 and 2013.
UK Research Council, “Roberts Skills Training Fund”, 2012.
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, “Vulcanus in Japan”, 2007.
Projects
I work with a wide variety of industries & users
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working on various prestigious projects and collaborating with renowned clients. Notably, I served as the work-package leader in the EPSRC grant for Autonomous Robotics in Hazardous Environments with a budget of £700k in collaboration with the UK National Nuclear Centre. Additionally, I contributed as a researcher in the European Robotic Challenge (EuRoC), partnering with AirBus with a budget of €170k. In the PaCMan project (FP7-2011-9-IST-600918), I took on the role of work-package co-leader, with a budget of €1,452k. As a doctoral researcher, I made significant contributions to the GeRT project, funded for €908k through FP7-2009-IST-248273. Lastly, I served as a researcher in an EPSRC grant focused on Modelling Human’s Grasping Strategies under Object-Pose Uncertainty, with a budget of £20k. These diverse experiences have honed my expertise and allowed me to excel in delivering exceptional results for my clients and projects.
Related scientific publications
Have a custom project?
If you have a custom project in mind that requires expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, or machine learning, I am here to help. With my extensive experience in these fields, I can offer tailored solutions to meet your project’s specific needs. Whether you need assistance in designing and developing a robotic system, implementing intelligent algorithms, or optimizing decision-making processes, I am equipped to provide innovative and effective solutions. Let’s collaborate to transform your ideas into reality and achieve outstanding results together.
Browse existing case studies and products
Discover a wealth of existing case studies and products that showcase the breadth and depth of my expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These case studies highlight successful projects and innovative solutions that I have been involved in. From developing autonomous robots for hazardous environments to implementing intelligent systems for industrial applications, each case study demonstrates the tangible impact and transformative capabilities of my work. Explore these real-world examples to gain insights into the potential applications and benefits that my expertise can bring to your organization or project.
Contact
Assistant Professor in Computer Science
AI + Robotics Specialist