Lecturer in Computer Science (Robotics)
I am a Lecturer in Computer Science in the Faculty of Technology. I received my BSc in Computer Engineering, MSc (by research) in Engineering, and PhD in Engineering with a concentration in robotics from Khalifa University of Science and Technology in the United Arab Emirates, in 2014, 2016, and 2021, respectively. I also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert) in 2024, further enhancing my teaching expertise and commitment to student development.
I worked as a Research Assistant at the Khalifa University Center of Autonomous Robotics Systems (KUCARS) in 2017. I worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Khalifa University from 2015-2021. I also worked as a Senior UAV Engineer with SystemTrio robotics technology Company from 2021-2022 before joining the University of Sunderland as a Lecturer in 2023.
My main research interests include autonomous robotics systems, robotics navigation and mapping, applied artificial intelligence, multi-robots systems, and robotics/computer vision. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), and a member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Teaching and supervision
Teaching
- Introduction to Programming (CET137)
- Advanced Programming (CET254)
- C++ Programming/AI & Game programming (CET259)
- Secure Database Systems (CETM75)
- Android Mobile Development (CET343)
- Mobile Technologies (CET373)
- Advanced Data Technologies (CET341)
- Data Analytics & Database Systems (DTS103)
Supervision
- PhD
- Computing Project (CET300)
- Computing Masters Project (PROM02)
- Professional Work Placement (PROM07)
Research interests for potential research students
- Autonomous Robotic Systems
- 3D Mapping and Reconstruction
- Autonomous Exploration and Path Planning
- Imitation Learning and Bio-Inspired Robotics
- Robot Perception and Computer Vision
- Multi-Robot Systems and Coordination
- Applied Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
Interesting research project topics include:
- Autonomous Exploration for Search and Rescue Scenarios
- Coverage Path Planning for Surveillance/Large Structures Inspection
- Industrial Manipulation using Neuromorphic Vision
- Skill Transfer via Imitation Learning and Video Analysis
- Imitation Learning for Bio-Inspired Robotic Platforms
Research
My main research interests include:
- Autonomous Robotic Systems
- 3D Mapping and Reconstruction
- Autonomous Exploration and Path Planning
- Imitation Learning and Bio-Inspired Robotics
- Robot Perception and Computer Vision
- Multi-Robot Systems and Coordination
- Applied Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
For further details about my research work and publications, please visit my website and research gate profile.
- Autonomous Robotics: Aerial robots, ground robots, and industrial manipulators
- Path Planning & Exploration: Autonomous navigation in 2D and 3D environments
- Industrial Manipulation: Object detection, recognition, and grasping
- Multi-Robot Systems: Hybrid systems, coordination, and collaborative behaviours
- Robot Perception & Vision: 2D/3D mapping, 3D reconstruction, and surface meshing
- Applied AI in Robotics: Learning-based control, decision-making, and perception
Sensor and Hardware Expertise:
- Experience with various sensors: LiDAR, 2D RGB-D cameras, Industrial Cameras, stereo vision, Thermal cameras, IMUs, Tactile, Force Torque
Practical experience with industrial manipulators (e.g., UR5, Mitsubishi Manipulator arm) and robotic platforms (e.g., DJI drones, Husky UGV, Seekur UGV, Jackal, Turtlebot/Kobuki, Boston Dynamics Spot, Nao, PAL REEM Robot)
For further details, please refer to my Website and GitHub profiles.
Memberships:
- IEEE member
- FHEA Fellow (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy)
Reviewer to the following Conferences and Journals:
- IEEE Access
- IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (RAL)
- IEEE Transaction on Robotics (IEEE T-RO)
- IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS)
- IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)
- IEEE transactions on cognitive and developmental systems
- IEEE International Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems (MWSCAS)
- MDPI Remote Sensing, Drones, Robots
- Elsevier – Machine Learning with Applications (MLWA)
- Elsevier – Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS)
- Elsevier _ Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
- International Conference on Ubiquitous Robots (UR)
- Nature _ Scientific Data