I am a passionate researcher and robotics engineer with deep expertise in developing advanced robotic systems across diverse fields, including humanoids, rescue missions, medical applications, and industrial automation. My work leverages state-of-the-art image processing algorithms to enable robots to autonomously perceive and interact effectively with their surroundings, particularly through sensing critical properties like object stiffness.
My journey into robotics started at La Sapienza University of Rome, where I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. During my Master’s studies, I specialized in vision-based control, creating innovative visual servoing techniques to help humanoid robots navigate complex, dynamic environments. A scholarship enabled me to collaborate with Prof. Robin Murphy at the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue (CRASAR) at Texas A&M University, where I developed real-time visual navigation systems for robots used in rescue scenarios, notably contributing to advancements in mine rescue robotics.
In 2012, I moved to King’s College London to begin my PhD at the Centre for Robotics Research (CoRe), supported by the European Stiff-Flop project and the EPSRC. There, I developed real-time robotic control systems and integrated advanced sensing technologies into medical robots. My PhD research resulted in a novel vision-based sensing technology that significantly improved robotic capabilities for medical diagnostics and surgical precision.
Following my doctoral studies, the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship brought me to Japan in 2016, where I joined the Service Robotics Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. Here, my research focused on critical global challenges, especially nuclear disaster response and decommissioning. I developed innovative robotic systems, hybrid controls, and bio-inspired solutions specifically designed for safe and effective nuclear cleanup operations.
In July 2024, driven by a desire to directly apply my expertise to industry challenges, I joined FingerVision as a Lead Research Engineer. At FingerVision, I am focused on creating novel vision-based sensing modalities that enhance robot perception, significantly impacting healthcare, safety, and industrial applications.
Beyond my professional role, I actively contribute to the robotics community as the Co-Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on Performance Evaluation & Benchmarking of Robotic and Automation Systems (TC-PEBRAS) and Associate Chair within the IEEE Automation Cluster. My ongoing commitment is to advance robotics through innovation, collaboration, and impactful solutions to real-world challenges.
Angela Faragasso, PhD 