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Human-Robot Teaming

Human-Robot Teaming

By: Universitetet i Agder
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Robots are no longer confined to factories or research labs. They are in our hospitals, our industries, our public spaces, and increasingly, in our homes. Among Us: Human-Robot Teaming is a podcast exploring what happens when humans and intelligent machines work together. Hosted by Professor Filippo Sanfilippo, this series brings together leading international researchers, engineers, innovators, and thinkers to discuss the technical, cognitive, ethical, and societal dimensions for different levels of human-robot collaboration. Each episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of designing robotic systems that are not just autonomous but collaborative. This is not about science fiction. It is about trust, shared control, responsibility, and the future of teamwork. Through thoughtful, coffee-style conversations, the podcast highlights cutting-edge research while making complex ideas accessible to students, academics, industry professionals, and anyone curious about how intelligent systems are reshaping our world. Because robots are no longer tools at the margins. They are among us.Copyright 2026 Universitetet i Agder Science
Episodes
  • How Imitation Learning Turns Robots Into Skilled Learners - Like Toddlers Breaking Eggs to Learn
    Jul 29 2026

    Join us for an enlightening discussion with PhD candidate Martin Økter about the forefront of human-robot teaming (HRT). We delve into how touch, machine learning, simulation, and safety are shaping the future of robotics across industries such as automotive recycling, healthcare, and space exploration.

    Main Topics:
    • The role of haptics and touch in enhancing human-robot interaction
    • Imitation learning and simulation for robot training and safety
    • Modular robotics architectures and ROS for complex applications
    • Future implications and societal benefits of collaborative robots
    • Practical insights for aspiring researchers and industry leaders

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to human-robot teaming and Martin Økter

    00:30 - The significance of haptics and the senses in robotics

    01:02 - Applications of HRT in battery disassembly processes

    01:33 - The shift from humans teaching robots to joint teamwork

    02:02 - Using machine learning and imitation learning in robots

    02:31 - The importance of tactile feedback and learning through testing

    03:01 - Augmented surgical aid: reducing reliance on cadavers

    03:30 - Designing scalable robotic systems with ROS

    04:11 - Modular control architectures for complex disassembly tasks

    04:49 - Simulation environments like Nvidia's IsaacSim for training robots

    05:20 - Safety constraints and merging traditional control with machine learning

    06:00 - Challenges and opportunities in long-term robot deployment

    06:45 - Future scenarios: robotic applications in medical and industrial sectors

    07:30 - The importance of continuous learning and exploration in robotics

    08:10 - Advice for young researchers: passion, curiosity, and perseverance

    08:50 - The societal role of collaborative robots and ethical considerations

    09:40 - Concluding thoughts: a future driven by human-robot collaboration

    Resources & Links:
    • Nvidia IsaacSim - Nvidia's physics-based simulation platform
    • Robot Operating System (ROS) - Modular framework for robot software development

    Connect with Martin Økter:
    • LinkedIn

    Join us on this journey to the future of collaborative robotics, where humans and machines support each other, overcoming challenges and unlocking new potentials!

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    39 mins
  • The Hidden Power of Perception: How Multilevel Sensing Shapes Human-Robot Teaming
    Jul 15 2026

    Human-Robot Teaming, Artificial Intelligence, Perception, Art and Mathematics, Unsupervised Learning, Future of Robotics, Art and AI, Perception and Language, Creativity in AI

    Exploring Human-Robot Teaming, Perception, and Artistic Innovation with Professor Marius Leordeanu

    Dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Marius Leordeanu as he discusses the intersection of robotics, perception, art, and mathematics. Discover how AI is transforming our understanding of perception, elevating human creativity, and inspiring new ways to live and collaborate with machines.

    Main Topics Covered:
    • The essence of human-robot teaming: sharing space, forces, and decisions
    • The deep connection between mathematics, poetry, art, and perception
    • The role of perception at multiple levels: sensors, semantics, and consciousness
    • Innovations in real-time art creation using AI and diffusion models
    • The philosophical perspective: AI as an extension, not a replacement, of humanity
    • How AI and robotics enhance creativity, exploration, and understanding of the world
    • The importance of mathematics in technology and AI development
    • The future of multimodal interfaces integrating sight, sound, touch, and potentially taste and smell
    • Ethical considerations: security, trust, and the role of AI in society
    • The concept of perception with intention and its significance in human-robot interaction

    Timestamps:
    • (00:00) - Introduction to Human-Robot Teaming: Collaboration in shared space and decision-making
    • (02:00) - Professor Marius Leordeanu's background: Robotics, mathematics, and AI research
    • (04:26) - From snake robots to search-and-rescue: Practical applications of robotics in extreme environments
    • (06:10) - The intersection of mathematics, art, and perception: Deep analogies and metaphors
    • (08:53) - Robots as extensions of human senses and capabilities: Transcendence through automation
    • (12:24) - AI as a tool for increasing human consciousness and creativity
    • (14:32) - The concept of teaming: robotics as a partnership, not a replacement
    • (16:57) - The importance of perception at multiple levels for human-robot interaction
    • (23:19) - The challenge of understanding metaphors: language, vision, and context in AI systems
    • (25:43) - The connection between language and perception: building a unified understanding
    • (31:16) - Limitations of humanoid robots and the importance of context and imitation in machine understanding
    • (35:32) - The evolution of human-centered technology: smartphones and multimodal interfaces
    • (38:29) - The role of mathematics and linear algebra in AI and perception
    • (41:11) - Moving beyond pattern recognition: AI's potential to understand life, consciousness, and purpose
    • (45:09) - Perception with intention: AI as a tool for serving human and societal goals
    • (50:04) - Mathematics as the foundation of understanding our universe and AI's role in future innovations
    • (54:45) - Art, AI, and the Smile Project: Creating interactive art responding to human emotions
    • (69:40) - Artistic storytelling and virtual reality: Using AI for immersive narrative experiences
    • (77:29) - Flying robots and extended perception: Exploring new frontiers in aerial AI systems
    • (82:41) - Gratitude, inspiration, and calls to action for the future of AI and robotics

    Resources & Links:
    • Carnegie Mellon University
    • Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE)
    • Simeon Stoilov Institute of Mathematics

    Connect with Professor Marius Leordeanu:
    • LinkedIn

    Join us for a visionary exploration into how AI is transforming perception, art, and human-robot collaboration, and what this means for our future society. Don't miss the final inspiring message from Professor Marius Leordeanu about elevating humanity through technology.

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • From Disabilities to Superheroes: The Vision of Human-Robot Teaming That Augment Humans
    Jul 1 2026
    Human-Robot Teaming: Innovations in Exoskeletons and Haptic Interfaces with Professor Mihai Dragusanu

    Explore how advanced robotics, soft actuators, and intuitive haptic interfaces are revolutionizing healthcare, rehabilitation, and industrial environments through collaborative human-robot teaming. In this episode, Professor Mihai Dragusanu shares insights into developing wearable exoskeletons, integrating AI for intention detection, and envisioning the future of multi-agent robotics.Key topics

    • The evolution from rigid to soft exoskeletons and their benefits for usability and safety
    • The role of AI and advanced sensors in understanding human intentions
    • The importance of haptic feedback for trust and control in human-robot interaction
    • Modular and customizable robotic systems for personalized rehabilitation
    • Future perspectives on environment-aware exoskeletons communicating with other cobots and humans
    • The societal impact of wearable robotics: from disability mitigation to superhuman capabilities
    • Reusing design principles like AI integration across various robotic applications
    • The vision of collaborative, community-based rehabilitation and industrial work environments
    • Philosophical implications of technology extending human abilities beyond disabilities

    Timestamps

    00:00 - Introduction to Professor Mihai Dragusanu and the theme of human-robot teaming

    02:41 - Mihai’s research background in exoskeletons and soft robotics

    04:37 - Achievements and recognition at ICRA for innovative exoskeleton research

    07:01 - Core enabling technologies: sensors, actuators, and adaptive algorithms

    09:02 - How personal disability experiences drive Mihai’s research focus

    11:18 - Transition from rigid to soft exoskeletons and the development of twist string actuators

    14:41 - Combining soft and rigid elements for powerful, lightweight exoskeletons

    17:25 - Disabling vs. augmenting capabilities through wearable technology

    19:17 - The significance of intuitive haptic interfaces for trust and control

    20:09 - Personal experience with haptic feedback during robotic demonstrations

    26:37 - Rehabilitation applications: modular, personalized, AI-driven exoskeletons

    29:13 - Tele-rehabilitation and AI for intent recognition in therapy

    31:20 - Wearable haptics and tactile feedback in healthcare and industrial tasks

    33:04 - Future visions: environment-aware, multi-user, and community-based exoskeleton systems

    35:44 - Shifting paradigms from one-to-one to many-to-many human-robot collaboration

    40:20 - Envisioning a future where disabilities are integrated into the technological fabric of society

    43:01 - Final reflections and upcoming collaborations, including conferences and esteemed colleaguesResources & Links

    • Domenico Praticizzo - Collaborator

    Connect with Mihai Dragusanu

    • LinkedIn

    This episode delves into cutting-edge research, philosophical reflections, and future visions that underscore the transformative potential of collaborative robotics rooted in soft, intuitive, and adaptive systems. Whether in healthcare or industry, the message is clear: technology today aims to extend human capabilities and foster inclusive, dynamic, and resilient team environments.

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    49 mins
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