Human-Robot Teaming

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.

Episodes

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Apr 8

    How Passion Will Inspire Advances in Human-Robot Teaming

    Join us in this inspiring episode featuring Professor Bruno Siciliano, a pioneer in robotics and a highly esteemed IEEE Fellow. We explore his incredible journey, the role of passion in research, and the future of human-robot collaboration. Discover how soccer, culture, and scientific innovation intertwine to shape the next era of robotics.Main Topics Discussed:The influence of passion, especially football and culture, on robotics innovationThe concept of human-robot teaming and shared autonomyBarriers, standards, and the global landscape of robotics developmentThe ethical and societal implications of technological progressInspirational advice for future generations of researchers In this episode:Professor Siciliano recounts his lifelong passion for Napoli football and its influence on his creativityInsight into the potential of collaborative autonomy and the balance between control and complianceExamples of unexpected applications of robotics, from fashion industry to surgical toolsThe importance of cultural, societal, and international perspectives in shaping robotics standardsPersonal stories of mentorship, international cooperation, and the responsibility of future innovatorsThe vision of a seamless, human-centered future powered by physical AI and hyper-connectivity Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Professor Siciliano's impact in robotics 01:13 - The significance of his research and cultural background 02:33 - Passion for football and its influence on engineering creativity 03:43 - The role of adrenaline and emotional engagement in research and teaching 05:03 - The social and cultural insights from stadium visits across Europe 06:44 - Creativity inspired by local city culture and its impact on innovations 09:14 - The story behind the ERC grant and the pizza robot demonstrator 11:44 - Robotics as a societally inspired pursuit rooted in cultural identity 12:45 - The sociological dimension of human-robot interaction in urban environments 13:14 - Gesticulation, cultural behaviors, and AI training datasets 14:43 - The importance of sensory development and education in human evolution 15:42 - Interdisciplinary approaches and cross-fertilization between robotics and other fields 16:09 - Teaching beyond textbooks: inspiring the next generation 18:11 - Student assessments, ethics in education, and the value of understanding concepts 20:14 - The role of AI and accessible knowledge in democratizing robotics 22:29 - The founding of the "Technology Humanism" initiative and societal responsibilities 23:51 - Creativity as a driver for research and the symbolic link to soccer 24:37 - Imagining robots playing soccer and rethinking human-robot interaction 25:14 - Supporting and connecting people across disciplines for innovative collaborations 33:42 - The potential of joint human-robot creative endeavors and storytelling 34:00 - The importance of shared control and the blending roles in human-robot teaming 50:53 - The balance between control, safety, and social acceptability in robots 54:43 - The emerging era of diverse robotic systems beyond humanoids 59:34 - The future of design, control, and integration in robotics 60:00 - The establishment of Stanford’s new Robotics Center and the pillars of modern robotics 61:10 - The four pillars: Knowledge, Design, Interaction, Impact 65:21 - Shared emotions, the human side of robotics, and the euphoria of technological progress 66:15 - Barriers to human-robot teaming and strategies to overcome them 70:38 - Unexpected applications of robotics (surgical, industrial, assistive) 75:29 - Enabling new applications, from virtual guides to assistive devices 79:31 - Rethinking the human-robot relationship and the evolution of “robots” into collaborative partners 82:29 - Standards, regulations, and international differences in robotics development 90:22 - The potential of robotics to bridge cultural and societal gaps 94:08 - The importance of interdisciplinary and international cooperation for future progress 99:50 - Visions of the future: technological, emotional, and societal changes in the next decades 104:37 - The responsibility of today’s scientists and engineers to preserve emotional and cultural legacies 115:41 - Final reflections: inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and collaborate globally Resources & Links:Even Falkenberg Langås, Muhammad Hamza Zafar, and Filippo Sanfilippo. "Exploring the synergy of human-robot teaming, digital twins, and machine learning in Industry 5.0: a step towards sustainable manufacturing." Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing 37, no. 3 (2026): 999-1022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-025-02580-x.Filippo Sanfilippo, Timothy Wiley, and Rebekah Rousi. "Robocup soccer autonomy uprising: How crowds, referees, and humanoid robots are redefining the future of human-robot interaction." In 2025 20th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), pp. 1131-1139. IEEE, 2025. doi: https://10.1109/HRI61500.2025.10974154.Filippo Sanfilippo, Muhammad Hamza Zafar, Timothy Wiley, and Fabio Zambetta. "From caged robots to high-fives in robotics: Exploring the paradigm shift from human–robot interaction to human–robot teaming in human–machine interfaces." Journal of Manufacturing Systems 78 (2025): 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2024.10.015. Connect with Professor Siciliano:LinkedIn This episode encapsulates the synergy between passion, culture, and scientific curiosity, demonstrating that the future of robotics is fundamentally human-centered and inspired by shared dreams and responsibilities.

    2h 2m

  7. Mar 30

    Special Episode: European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2026

    Recorded live at the European Robotics Forum 2026 in Stavanger, this special episode of Among Us: Human–Robot Teaming takes you inside one of Europe’s most important robotics gatherings—through conversations, demos, and cutting-edge research. This is not theory. This is what robotics actually looks like today. 🎤 Who You’ll Hear in This Episode🔹 Opening Perspective: The Vision Behind ERFWe start with Nabil Belbachir, organizer of ERF, discussing: The strategic direction of robotics in EuropeWhere industry and research are actually convergingWhy events like ERF matter beyond networking 🔹 Bio-Inspired Flight & Flapping DronesNext, a fascinating discussion with Matěj Karásek from Flapper Drones: How flapping-wing drones differ from traditional UAVsThe role of bio-inspired design in roboticsReal-world applications where conventional drones fail 🔹 Precision Haptics & Human InteractionWe then speak with Marco Aggravi, Project Manager and R&D Engineer at Haption: High-fidelity force feedback systemsThe role of haptics in teleoperation and trainingWhy touch is still the missing piece in many robotic systems 🔹 Live Demo: Immersive Interaction with SenseGloveA hands-on demo with SenseGlove showcases: Real-time haptic feedback in virtual and robotic environmentsApplications in training, simulation, and remote manipulationThe transition from demo tech → deployable systems 🔹 Research Spotlight: Human Trajectory PredictionThe episode concludes with a presentation of the paper: “Transformer-Based Human Trajectory Prediction in Manufacturing Settings” Authored by: Even LangåsAtle AalerudDaniel HagenFilippo Sanfilippo Key ideas explored: Predicting human motion in industrial environmentsUsing transformer architectures for temporal modelingImproving safety and fluency in human–robot collaboration 🧠 What Connects All of This?At first glance, these look like separate topics: Event organizationBio-inspired dronesHapticsWearable interfacesAI-based trajectory prediction They’re not. They all point toward one thing: 👉 Robots that understand, adapt, and physically interact with humans in real environments ⚙️ The Real Insight (No Sugarcoating)Most robotics systems today: Perceive poorlyPredict weaklyInteract unnaturally This episode shows what it takes to fix that: Better sensing (event cameras, multimodal systems)Better prediction (transformers, temporal models)Better interaction (haptics, wearable feedback) 🎯 Who This Episode Is ForRobotics researchers and PhD studentsEngineers working on HRI/HRC systemsAnyone serious about moving from demos → deployable systems 🚀 Final TakeawayIf you want real human–robot teaming, you need to combine: Perception + Prediction + Physical Interaction Miss one—and your system breaks in the real world.

    1h 1m

  8. Mar 25

    Bilateral Communication Between Humans and Robots as the Future of Human-Robot Teaming

    In this episode, Dr. Gionata Salvietti shares groundbreaking perspectives on human-robot collaboration, emphasizing the crucial role of tactile feedback and multisensory interaction. Discover the advances in robotic hand manipulation, sensory integration, and how these innovations are paving the way for more seamless and intuitive teaming between humans and robots. Key Topics:The evolving definition and importance of human-robot teamingBilateral and multi-modal communication channels, especially touchThe biological basis and engineering of tactile feedback in roboticsSynergies and compliance in robotic hand controlThe concept of augmentation: from sixth fingers to assistive roboticsTransition from prototypes to commercialization with companies like SixtoChallenges in sensor development, including robust e-skin technologyEthical considerations and societal implications of robotics revolutionThe future trajectory of AI-powered multisensory integration Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to human-robot teaming and its significance 02:25 - Defining human-robot collaboration in a rapidly evolving context 03:49 - The bilateral communication channel for effective teaming 04:54 - Moving towards balanced human-robot interactions 07:15 - The role of touch and tactile feedback in communication 08:44 - How biological tactile interactions inspire robotic hand design 10:08 - The importance of emotional and functional touch in humans 11:17 - Using touch for guidance irrespective of sight and hearing impairments 12:44 - Historical overview of sensory technology, focusing on touch 14:24 - The revolutionary potential of recording and reproducing tactile interactions 15:44 - The integration of multiple senses and multisensory teaming 17:15 - Manipulation synergies and brain-inspired control strategies 18:47 - Simplifying control through synergies and compliance in robotics 20:16 - The concept of invisible threads and brain's organization of hand movements 21:39 - The brain's management of hand complexity and use of compliance 23:50 - The impact of synergy and compliance on collaborative manipulation 26:01 - Exploring augmentation: the story of the sixth finger 28:52 - Assistive robotics: aiding stroke patients with robotic augmentations 31:47 - The pathway from prototypes to commercial products (e.g., Sixto) 34:25 - Scaling devices for education and medical training 35:23 - Main barriers and future challenges for human-robot teaming 37:40 - Sensor technology limitations and future directions 39:50 - The importance of standards, safety, and societal acceptance 42:14 - The societal impact, fears, and opportunities of robotics revolution 44:57 - Cross-disciplinary collaboration and the role of AI in sensor networks 46:16 - Final thoughts and encouragement for active engagement in the field Resources & Links:Domenico Prattichizzo's research groupImmersiveSurgicalEdu Connect with Gionata Salvietti:LinkedIn Research Articles:Filippo Sanfilippo, Gionata Salvietti, Tomas Blazauskas, Guido Gabriele, Maria Zafar, Minh Tuan Hua, Muhammad Hamza Zafar, Syed Kumayl Raza Moosavi, Patrikas Armalis, Mohammad Poursina, Povilas Ignatavicius, Andrejus Subocius, Audrius Parseliunas, Ernest Margelis. “Integrating VR, AR, and haptics in basic surgical skills training: a review and perspective.” IEEE Access (2025), doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3574265.Filippo Sanfilippo, Tomas Blazauskas, Gionata Salvietti, Isabel Ramos, Silviu Vert, Jaziar Radianti, Tim A. Majchrzak, and Daniel Oliveira. 2022. "A Perspective Review on Integrating VR/AR with Haptics into STEM Education for Multi-Sensory Learning" Robotics 11, no. 2: 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics11020041.Filippo Sanfilippo, Tomas Blažauskas, Martynas Girdžiūna, Airidas Janonis, Eligijus Kiudys, and Gionata Salvietti. "A multi-modal auditory-visual-tactile e-learning framework." In International conference on intelligent technologies and applications, pp. 119-131. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10525-8_10.Filippo Sanfilippo, Houxiang Zhang, Kristin Ytterstad Pettersen, Gionata Salvietti, and Domenico Prattichizzo. "ModGrasp: an open-source rapid-prototyping framework for designing low-cost sensorised modular hands." In 5th IEEE RAS/EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, pp. 951-957. IEEE, 2014. doi: 10.1109/BIOROB.2014.6913903.Filippo Sanfilippo, Gionata Salvietti, H. X. Zhang, Hans Petter Hildre, and Domenico Prattichizzo. "Efficient modular grasping: an iterative approach." In 2012 4th IEEE RAS & EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (BioRob), pp. 1281-1286. IEEE, 2012. https://10.0.4.85/BioRob.2012.6290693. Additional Notes:This episode highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches—combining neuroscience, robotics, AI, and design—to address the challenges and unlock the full potential of human-robot teaming. We also discuss societal implications, ethical considerations, and the accelerating pace of technological change.

    50 min

  9. Mar 11

    When Robots Become Teammates: Sensors, Digital Twins, and the Rise of Human-Centric AI

    Join us in this episode as we explore the cutting-edge developments in human-robot collaboration, emphasizing sensor technologies, gesture-based interfaces, privacy preservation, and emotional understanding. Hamza Zafar shares insights from his PhD research, highlighting how new sensors and algorithms are transforming the way humans and robots work together safely and intuitively. Main Topics Covered:The evolution and impact of gesture-based interfaces in human-robot teamingThe role of neuromorphic event cameras versus traditional RGB camerasPrivacy-preserving techniques such as federated learning in sensor dataIntegration of digital twins and Industry 5.0 for dynamic, human-centric environmentsPredicting human intentions and emotional states to enhance collaborationFuture perspectives: robots cohabiting living spaces, especially aiding elderly people Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to "Among Us" podcast and episode theme 01:23 - High-level overview of human-robot teaming and core elements 04:16 - Hamza discusses gesture-based interfaces and sensor types 05:36 - Sensors used in human-robot interaction: RGB, EMG, neuromorphic cameras 07:18 - Privacy-preserving methods in gesture recognition using federated learning 09:09 - Differences between traditional and predictive gesture interfaces 10:54 - Real-time limb and hand tracking for improved robot responsiveness 13:40 - Merging digital twins with machine learning for Industry 5.0 16:17 - Ensuring safety and risk mitigation via digital twins 17:25 - Future visions: robots living with humans, especially the elderly 20:50 - Incorporating emotion prediction and physiological sensing 23:33 - Physiological vs non-verbal emotion recognition for adaptive systems 26:27 - The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing HRT 28:24 - Neuromorphic event cameras: how they work and their advantages 32:49 - Summary of benefits of event cameras: efficiency, privacy, low data load 34:17 - Final thoughts, collaborations, and closing remarks Resources & Links:Hamza Zafar's Scholar ProfileExploring the synergies between collaborative robotics, digital twins, augmentation, and industry 5.0 for smart manufacturing: A state-of-the-art reviewEmpowering Human-Robot Interaction Using sEMG Sensor: Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Accurate Hand Gesture RecognitionFederated learning-enhanced edge deep learning model for EMG-based gesture recognition in real-time human–robot interactionHarmony unleashed: Exploring the ethical and philosophical aspects of machine learning in human-robot collaboration for industry 5.0 Connect with Hamza:LinkedIn In this episode, we bridge the latest technological advancements with the ethical and human-centered considerations essential for safe and effective human-robot collaboration.

    39 min

  10. Feb 25

    Emotional Intelligence in Human-Robot Teaming

    In this episode, we explore the evolving field of human-robot teaming (HRT), emphasizing the importance of understanding human psychology, nonverbal communication, and ethical considerations in creating trustworthy and effective robotic partners. Our guest, Dr. Cristina Brasi, brings her expertise in forensic psychology and behavioral analysis to shed light on how robots can better read and respond to human cues, especially in high-pressure environments. Key TopicsThe evolution of human-robot interaction from isolated robots to collaborative teamsThe role of sensors, actuators, and algorithms in enabling effective teamingThe importance of personalized behavioral calibration over universal modelsRecognizing behavioral leakage and micro-expressions to interpret true emotionsCognitive ergonomics: tailoring robotic communication to individual neural profilesChallenges and risks of robot misinterpretation in emergency and stressful scenariosDesigning transparent and predictable robots to foster trustThe ethical implications of robots analyzing micro-expressions and emotional statesThe vision of a future where robots recognize and respect the complex social fabric of human lifeBridging the "invisible barrier" and liberating both humans and machines for more harmonious coexistence Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to human-robot teaming and its significance 03:08 - Why robots need to move beyond mere automation and towards true collaboration 04:32 - The evolution from industrial robots to physical and shared space teaming 05:29 - Critical elements for effective human-robot interaction: sensors, actuators, algorithms 06:56 - The importance of humanizing robots through emotional and behavioral understanding 12:21 - The story behind naming the robot "Ambroggio" and symbolic meaning 13:43 - Identifying gaps between robotics and behavioral sciences 14:12 - Personalizing robotic responses through behavioral signatures and leakage detection 15:11 - Moving from action recognition to intent recognition in robots 16:08 - Embracing cognitive ergonomics and adapting to diverse neural profiles 18:28 - Risks of misinterpreting signals in emergency rescue environments 19:38 - Distinguishing pain vs. deception through micro-dynamic gesture analysis 20:35 - The importance of social fluency and subtle cues in high-stakes scenarios 22:27 - Defining successful human-robot non-verbal collaboration: trust, transparency, predictability 24:20 - Designing robots that display their internal states visually for better predictability 27:35 - The future potential of human-robot teaming in mental health and operational safety 29:14 - Contextual adaptive responses for social appropriateness 30:12 - The vision of robots recognizing and respecting the social fabric of human life 31:50 - Closing remarks and encouragement for ongoing collaboration Resources & LinksEmotion recognition with a Randomized CNN-multihead-attention hybrid model optimized by evolutionary intelligence algorithm Connect with Dr. Cristina Brasi:LinkedIn Join us in future episodes as we continue to unravel the fascinating intersection of human psychology, AI, and robotics. Stay tuned for more inspiring insights and innovative visions for a harmonious future of humans and robots working together.

    33 min
  • 10 Episodes

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Universitetet i Agder
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Universitetet i Agder
  • Show Website
    Human-Robot Teaming