Human-Robot Teaming

Universitetet i Agder

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.

  1. 6h ago

    From Disabilities to Superheroes: The Vision of Human-Robot Teaming That Augment Humans

    Human-Robot Teaming: Innovations in Exoskeletons and Haptic Interfaces with Professor Mihai DragusanuExplore 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 safetyThe role of AI and advanced sensors in understanding human intentionsThe importance of haptic feedback for trust and control in human-robot interactionModular and customizable robotic systems for personalized rehabilitationFuture perspectives on environment-aware exoskeletons communicating with other cobots and humansThe societal impact of wearable robotics: from disability mitigation to superhuman capabilitiesReusing design principles like AI integration across various robotic applicationsThe vision of collaborative, community-based rehabilitation and industrial work environmentsPhilosophical 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.

    49 min
  2. 3d ago

    Special Episode from the 40th ECMS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation (ECMS 2026)

    In this special episode recorded for the 40th ECMS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation (ECMS) in Grimstad, Norway, we bring together three perspectives on the future of simulation, AI, and human-centered robotics. From supply chain digital twins and agentic AI to wearable robotic devices and human-robot teaming in battery disassembly, this episode highlights how modeling and simulation are shaping practical innovation across research and industry. Featured TalksProf. Dr. Dr. habil. Dmitry Ivanov“Supply chain simulation, agentic AI and digital twins: from theory to use cases and implementation blueprints” Prof. Monica Malvezzi“The Role Of Simulation In The Design Of Wearable Robotic Devices: A Human-Centered Perspective With Modular Gloves And Twisted String Actuators” Prof. Filippo Sanfilippo and Cecilia Scoccia“Imitation Learning For Human–robot Teaming In Battery Disassembly: Enabling Technologies and a Collaborative Manipulation Pipeline” What You’ll LearnHow simulation supports resilient and intelligent supply chainsWhy digital twins and agentic AI are becoming central to implementation blueprintsHow human-centered design informs the next generation of wearable robotic devicesHow imitation learning can enable human-robot teaming in complex disassembly tasksThe broader role of modeling and simulation in advancing Industry 4.0 and beyond Conference ContextThis episode is connected to the proceedings of the 40th ECMS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation, Grimstad, Norway, June 23rd to 26th, 2026.CreditsECMS

    3h 25m
  3. Jun 17

    The Philosophical Impact of Art That Makes Machines Feel Human

    Exploring the Fusion of Art, Human Emotion, and Artificial Intelligence with Cristina LazărJoin us in this inspiring episode where art meets AI, as Cristina Lazăr shares her visionary projects that integrate creativity, emotion, and advanced technology. Discover how her innovative work is reshaping human-machine interactions and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Main Topics Covered:The intersection of art, science, and artificial intelligence in contemporary projectsHow sensors, lights, and neural networks allow art to respond to human emotionsThe concept of emotional loops in human-robot teaming and non-verbal communicationThe project "Paint with Me" as an example of real-time, multisensory artistic engagementThe philosophical and spiritual dimensions of creating art as a service to humanityFuture perspectives on human-robot collaboration and emotion sharing in AI Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Cristina Lazăr and her artistic environment 00:48 - Connecting art, science, and AI through human-robot teaming 01:33 - Cristina Lazăr’s background as an artist and researcher in human-AI interaction 02:48 - Cristina’s previous projects and recent exhibitions in Norway 03:53 - Collaborations with European robotics communities and other scientists 05:10 - The "Maya" project: non-verbal, real-time communication system 06:25 - Artwork as an interactive, sensorized entity that responds to human emotions 07:54 - The integration of mathematics, algorithms, and art in Cristina’s practice 09:34 - The role of emotion, expression, and trust in AI-enabled art 11:06 - The use of convolutional neural networks to make paintings "see" and respond 12:48 - Art as a mirror of the human soul and the importance of tactile interaction 14:20 - Elevating traditional art techniques with multisensory, sensor-based technology 16:48 - The significance of non-verbal languages, mirroring, and emotion recognition 18:08 - Neural networks and AI systems perceiving and reacting to human gestures 19:01 - The importance of trust, presence, and acknowledgment in human-AI interactions 21:42 - Summarizing Cristina’s vision: eyes, brain, and emotion in art 23:46 - The "Paint with Me" project and the fusion of classical painting with AI-driven responses 25:17 - Cultural and historical allusions, like the civilization of Maya, in human-AI emotional exchange 27:08 - The potential to use sensors and AI for emotion detection and adaptation in art 28:40 - The role of art and AI in creating meaningful stories connected to our past and future 30:36 - Art as a tool to evoke emotions and reflect the human condition 35:47 - The journey from curiosity to mastery in art and robotics over decades 38:50 - Returning to non-verbal, embodied, and multi-sensory forms of communication in art and research 41:50 - The philosophical insights: art, research, and the human soul as expressions of the divine 44:55 - The evolution of the expression of human feelings through neural networks and AI 48:50 - Vision for future human-robot teaming: sharing feelings, physical collaboration, and emotional resonance 53:29 - The spiritual dimension in Cristina Lazăr’s work: love, life, and connection to the universe 54:42 - Closing thoughts: art as a divine act, inspiration, and ongoing collaboration Connect with Cristina Lazăr:YoutubeInstagramPersonal Website This episode celebrates the harmony between creativity and technology, and how emotional intelligence shapes the future of human-robot collaboration. Expect insights into how art can serve as a bridge to understanding ourselves and each other in this evolving digital era.

    1h 1m
  4. Jun 6

    Among Us: Human-Robot Teaming - Special ICRA 2026 Episode

    Episode Overview: Join Professor Filippo Sanfilippo as he takes a guided tour of an exciting robotics exhibition at ICRA 2026 in Vienna, Austria. This special episode showcases groundbreaking demonstrations and cutting-edge research from leading experts in robotics, human-robot interaction, and AI-driven automation. Featured Guests & Highlights: Syed Kumayl Raza Moosavi presents the work alongside Muhammad Hamza Zafar and Filippo Sanfilippo on "Neuromorphic Event Camera-Based Object Recognition and Grasping Position Detection Using a Transfer Learning-Enhanced Multi-Task Model" (IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 2025).LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syed-kumayl-raza-moosavi-38b224125/Pietro Balatti demonstrates a markerless motion capture system, highlighting advances in real-time human movement tracking.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pietrobalatti/Erik Ballesteros showcases Super Libs and Human Augmentation technologies, exploring the frontier of collaborative robotics.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-ballesteros-9aa25b78/Website: https://thefalcoguy.github.io/Kentaro Barhydt presents Loop Closure Grasping, detailing a paradigm for strong, gentle, and versatile robotic grasps. Relevant works include:Website: https://www.kentarobarhydt.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentarobarhydt/First inciting work: A High-Strength, Highly-Flexible Robotic Strap for Harnessing, Lifting, and Transferring Humans (RA-L) – IEEE XploreOfficial Loop Closure Grasping presentation: Loop closure grasping: Topological transformations enable strong, gentle, and versatile grasps (Science Advances) – Science AdvancesGrowing sling design: Mechanically Programming the Cross-Sectional Shape of Soft Growing Robotic Structures for Patient Transfer (IROS) – IEEE XploreMIT Press Release: https://news.mit.edu/2025/vine-inspired-robotic-gripper-gently-lifts-heavy-and-fragile-objects-1210Francesco Ferro, President of EuRobotics and CEO/co-founder of PAL Robotics, shares his perspective on the future of human-robot collaboration and innovation in industrial and service robotics.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-ferro-88791a1/?skipRedirect=true What You’ll Learn: How neuromorphic event cameras improve robotic perception for object recognition and grasping.The latest in markerless motion capture for natural human-robot interaction.Strategies for enhancing human capabilities using collaborative robotic systems.The Loop Closure Grasping paradigm and its applications in safe, gentle, and versatile object handling.Insights from top robotics leaders on the future of automation and human-robot teaming. Event Details: Location: Vienna, AustriaConference: IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA 2026)Dates: June 1–5, 2026 Tune in to experience the intersection of research, innovation, and real-world robotics demonstrations, all captured during this premier robotics event.

    2h 5m
  5. Jun 3

    From Rigid Control to Shared Autonomy: The Future of Medical Robotics and Surgery

    Exploring Human-Robot Teaming: Insights from Professor Paolo FioriniIn this episode of Among Us, Human-Robot Teaming, we sit down with robotics pioneer Professor Paolo Fiorini to discuss the evolution of robotic autonomy, ethics, and the future of collaboration between humans and machines. Discover his insights on surgical robotics, trust in AI, and the role of simulation and haptics in advancing human-robot interaction. Main Topics: The progression from isolated industrial robots to collaborative human-robot teamingThe role of autonomy levels, from teleoperation to autonomous systemsChallenges of trust, safety, and ethics in AI and roboticsInnovations in surgical robotics and the significance of tactile/haptic feedbackFuture perspectives on specialized AI tools and the importance of simulation Timestamps:00:45 - Introduction to Professor Fiorini and his pioneering work in robotics 01:27 - Biographical overview of Professor Fiorini's career and achievements 02:18 - Bridging theoretical control and real-world application through robotics 03:16 - Key projects: surgical robotics: autonomy, safety, and certification 04:43 - The rise of Needle Eye Robotics in prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy 05:42 - The evolution of human-robot interaction and physical collaboration 07:11 - From segregated robots to immersive teaming: autonomy levels’ progression 08:38 - Telerobotics, telepresence, and the early days of autonomy in robotics 09:37 - AI development stages and risks: from neural networks to semantic control 10:55 - Shared control and the importance of reciprocal trust in human-robot interaction 12:29 - Ethical challenges in AI: emerging misbehavior and training data issues 13:52 - Control theory versus machine learning: stability and adaptability in robotics 14:19 - Ethical dilemmas and decision-making transparency in autonomous systems 15:14 - The practical limits of AI in safety-critical applications like surgery 16:21 - Mechanical constraints: managing the challenge of safe AI deployment 17:51 - The slow pace of legislative and standardization updates in robotics 19:05 - Advances in surgical robotics and autonomous assistance in interventions 20:14 - Data availability as a barrier in robotic surgery AI development 23:12 - Modeling complex surgical procedures with logic-based systems 25:33 - The unpredictability and creativity of human surgeons versus AI 26:37 - The use of haptics and tactile feedback in medical robotics 28:42 - The debate on force feedback benefits and user adaptation 30:16 - The significance of tactile sensing for learning, especially in soft tissues 33:09 - Challenges of sensory integration and synchronization in multi-modal feedback 35:14 - Future of AI: focused, reliable tools over general artificial intelligence 37:27 - Simulation as a trust-building tool and explanation of robotic actions 38:25 - Limitations of simulation in personalized medicine and soft tissue modeling 39:49 - AI in prostate cancer diagnosis: small steps with high societal impact 40:54 - The importance of balanced, practical solutions for human-robot collaboration 41:46 - The ongoing challenge of connecting generations and sharing experience 42:52 - Closing thoughts from Professor Fiorini and upcoming conferences. Connect with Professor Fiorini: LinkedIn Additional Notes: The episode highlights the importance of focusing research on specific, impactful problems rather than pursuing overly broad AI goals.The conversation emphasizes the ethical, safety, and explainability challenges in deploying AI and robotics in healthcare and other critical fields.The integration of simulation and tactile feedback remains a key area for future research, especially in soft tissue robotics.

    50 min
  6. May 20

    How Speech & Visual Cues Are Transforming Human-Robot Teaming

    Exploring Human-Robot Emotional Interaction with Omar SerghiniIn this episode, Filippo Sanfilippo hosts Omar Serghini, a PhD researcher specializing in speech emotion recognition, spectrum sensing, and neuromorphic cameras, to discuss the future of human-robot teaming. They delve into how emotional awareness through speech and visual cues can transform collaborative AI systems, especially in healthcare and social contexts. Key Topics:The role of speech-emotional recognition in enhancing human-robot interactionHow prosody and vocal cues inform a robot’s understanding of human emotionsSpectrum sensing as a parallel for decision-making under uncertainty in roboticsThe emergence of neuromorphic (event-based) cameras for dynamic scene perceptionMoving from static to dynamic interaction through high-temporal-resolution sensorsBuilding multi-channel emotion recognition integrating speech, vision, and contextChallenges and ethical considerations in developing empathetic machinesFuture prospects of AI in healthcare, elderly care, and emergency rescue scenariosThe importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for advancing emotional AI Timestamps:00:45 - Introduction to Omar Serghini and his research background 01:31 - The importance of emotional detection in human-robot teaming 02:58 - Speech emotion recognition: what it is and why it matters 05:15 - Using vocal cues like tone and rhythm to gauge confidence and hesitation 06:39 - How emotion detection helps robots adapt behavior and ensure safety 08:07 - The evolution of human-robot interaction from command-based to peer-like relationships 10:09 - Spectrum sensing as a metaphor for decision-making in robotics under uncertainty 12:15 - Robustness in noisy environments: lessons from spectrum sensing applied to robotics 16:11 - The role of neuromorphic (event-based) cameras in real-time emotion perception 17:39 - How event-based vision captures fast, subtle changes for dynamic interaction 22:53 - Integrating multiple sensory channels for a richer understanding of human emotions 25:21 - The potential and limitations of robotic empathy in social and care settings 27:22 - Ethical and cultural considerations in emotion recognition technology 28:47 - Challenges and future directions for emotion-aware AI in healthcare and safety 35:23 - Final thoughts on multidisciplinary collaboration and the future of emotional AI Resources & Links:Serghini, O., Serrano, S., Semlali, H., & Maali, A. (2024, September). Robust DNN-Enabled Cooperative Spectrum Sensing. In 2024 International Conference on Software, Telecommunications and Computer Networks (SoftCOM) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.@ Connect with Omar Serghini:LinkedIn Note:This episode emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple sensory modalities for emotionally intelligent human-robot interactions and highlights ongoing interdisciplinary efforts to bring empathetic AI closer to human behavior.

    42 min
  7. May 6

    Human Activity Recognition for Human-Robot Teaming

    Insights from Professor Florenc Demrozi. Explore how sensors, AI, and wearable technology are transforming human-robot collaboration, healthcare, and assisted living. Discover the vision of lifelong learning machines and their potential to evolve with us, aiding independence and safety. Key Topics: Evolution of human-robot interaction from isolation to collaborationThe role of sensors, wearables, and environmental context in human activity recognitionChallenges in data quality, AI modeling, and system safety for healthcare applicationsThe concept of robots as lifelong companions and lifelong learnersFuture scenarios: robots as learning partners, safety enforcers, and co-evolving entities Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to human-robot teaming and interview guest Professor Florenc Demrozi 01:16 - The historical transition from isolated robots to collaborative human-robot interaction 02:13 - The progression towards physical collaboration and shared space in human-robot teaming 02:43 - Recognizing human activity and intent through sensing and AI 03:12 - The importance of understanding human status within physical and environmental contexts 04:08 - How ubiquitous sensors and multi-modal data fusion advance healthcare robotics 05:10 - Applications in healthcare: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, disabilities, and aging population challenges 09:17 - Robots in assisted living: coaching, teaching, and digital therapeutics 11:10 - Empowering the elderly: training and maintaining independence with robots 12:40 - Robots as lifelong companions, physical helpers, and co-learners 14:08 - Challenges of trust, reliability, safety, and real-time collaboration in human-robot teaming 15:02 - Controlling and ensuring safety of robots via constraints and innovative actuators 16:00 - Developing intrinsically safe and elastic actuators like human muscles 17:25 - Data quality, sensor noise, and AI model generalization challenges 20:50 - Regulatory hurdles and the necessity of validation for medical applications 21:51 - Generalization across different environments, sensors, and users 23:21 - Envisioning the future: robots as lifelong learning partners and companions 24:25 - The concept of the lifelong learning digital companion evolving with users 26:25 - Knowledge exchange between humans and machines, and eventual AI surpassing human knowledge in specific tasks 27:24 - Digital coaching systems: recognizing and blocking risky behaviors 28:22 - The vision of humans and robots as equal, continuously evolving partners 29:07 - The role of curiosity and ongoing research in advancing human-robot teaming 29:44 - Closing thoughts and a special message for the next generation of researchers Resources & Links: Florenc Demrozi - University of Stavanger Connect with Professor Florenc Demrozi: LinkedIn

    36 min
  8. Apr 22

    How Snake Robots Could Revolutionize Human-Robot Teaming

    In this episode, we delve into innovative research on bio-inspired snake robots and their transformative potential in disaster scenarios. Syed Kumayl Raza Moosavi, a PhD researcher, shares insights on how these modular, adaptable robots can navigate complex terrains, assist first responders, and enhance safety through autonomous aid delivery. Key Topics:The bio-inspired design and modular structure of snake robotsApplications in space exploration, search and rescue, and disaster environmentsHow snake robots use terrain-aided locomotion and obstacle-aware navigation (POLl framework)Multi-robot systems integrating UAVs and snake robots for efficient aid deliveryFuture challenges: terrain adaptability, sensor integration, and real-world deploymentTechniques for simulating and optimizing locomotion across varied friction surfacesVision for human-robot teaming and autonomous decision-making in critical scenarios Timestamps:(00:46) - Introduction to among us: human-robot teaming in disaster scenarios(01:25) - Why bio-inspired snake robots? Flexibility and navigability benefits(02:24) - Biological traits inspiring robotic design; multi-environment adaptability(03:17) - Unique capabilities of snake robots in space exploration(04:16) - Snake robots in search and rescue: navigating debris and collapsed structures(08:03) - Modular design and skin imitation for terrain adaptability(09:29) - Using snake robots across disaster phases: preparedness, response, recovery(12:27) - Autonomous assessment and aid delivery with heterogeneous robot teams(16:16) - Combining grasping, navigation, and aid dispatch in rescue operations(20:37) - Prototype development challenges: skin mimicking and multi-terrain locomotion(25:45) - Transfer from simulation to real-life deployment: friction and terrain transitions(29:28) - Future of snake robotics in planetary exploration and low-light environments(31:50) - The POLL framework and perception-driven obstacle-aided locomotion(33:17) - Advancing sensory and planning capabilities for complex tasks(34:14) - Collaborative opportunities and upcoming discussions on snake robotics(35:01) - Final reminder and closing remarks Resources & Links:Filippo Sanfilippo, Jon Azpiazu, Giancarlo Marafioti, Aksel A. Transeth, Øyvind Stavdahl, and Pål Liljebäck. 2017. "Perception-Driven Obstacle-Aided Locomotion for Snake Robots: The State of the Art, Challenges and Possibilities" Applied Sciences 7, no. 4: 336. https://doi.org/10.3390/app7040336.Filippo Sanfilippo, Erlend Helgerud, Per Anders Stadheim, and Sondre Lieblein Aronsen. 2019. "Serpens: A Highly Compliant Low-Cost ROS-Based Snake Robot with Series Elastic Actuators, Stereoscopic Vision and a Screw-Less Assembly Mechanism" Applied Sciences 9, no. 3: 396. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9030396.Filippo Sanfilippo. "Combining grasping with adaptive path following and locomotion for modular snake robots." International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research 11, no. 2 (2022): 59-65.Filippo Sanfilippo, Øyvind Stavdahl, and Pål Liljebäck. "SnakeSIM: A ROS-based rapid-prototyping framework for perception-driven obstacle-aided locomotion of snake robots." In 2017 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO), pp. 1226-1231. IEEE, 2017.Syed Kumayl Raza Moosavi, Muhammad Hamza Zafar, and Filippo Sanfilippo. "Collaborative robots (cobots) for disaster risk resilience: a framework for swarm of snake robots in delivering first aid in emergency situations." Frontiers in Robotics and AI 11 (2024): 1362294. doi: 10.3389/frobt.2024.1362294.Askan Duivon, Pino Kirsch, Boris Mauboussin, Gabriel Mougard, Jakub Woszczyk, and Filippo Sanfilippo. "The redesigned serpens, a low-cost, highly compliant snake robot." Robotics 11, no. 2 (2022): 42.Inaki Rañó, A. Gómez Eguíluz, and Filippo Sanfilippo. "Bridging the gap between bio-inspired steering and locomotion: A braitenberg 3a snake robot." In 2018 15th International Conference on Control, Automation, Robotics and Vision (ICARCV), pp. 1394-1399. IEEE, 2018. Connect with Kumail Raza:LinkedIn Note:For more detailed research papers and collaboration inquiries, visit the research group's official site here.

    41 min

About

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.