Title of the Talk: HAIR - Healthcare Applications and Interactive Robotics
Invited Speaker: Ildar Farkhatdinov
Time: June 2nd, Monday, between 15:00-16:00
Location: Earl Mountbatten Building, Room EM2.44.
Abstract:
In this talk, I will describe research on human-robot interaction and its applications in healthcare. Topics will include examples of physical human-robot interaction, such as supernumerary robotic limbs (including a wearable robotic tail) and robotics for virtual reality. I will also discuss multi-modal human-robot interaction, focusing on social assistive robotics for people living with dementia. Toward the end of the talk, I will cover several recent healthcare applications, including fMRI-compatible haptics for studying brain development and modular neuro-motor assessment and rehabilitation technologies.
Bio:
Dr. Ildar Farkhatdinov is an Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Medical Robotics at the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences at King's College London, United Kingdom. He is an internationally recognized expert in assistive robotics and human-machine interaction, with applications in rehabilitation, neuroscience, and immersive environments. Prior to joining King's, he held an academic position at Queen Mary University of London (2016–2024) and was a postdoctoral research associate in the Human Robotics group at the Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London (2013–2016). He earned his Ph.D in Robotics from Sorbonne University (UPMC, France) in 2013, his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from KoreaTech University in 2008, and his B.Sc. in Automation and Control from Moscow University STANKIN in 2006. Dr. Farkhatdinov is a co-founder of the Centre for Advanced Robotics and previously directed the undergraduate Robotics Engineering programme at QMUL. He has contributed to several large-scale research projects, including the UK EPSRC National Centre for Nuclear Robotics, the EU FP7 BALANCE project on robotic walking assistance for the elderly, and the EU FP7 SYMBITRON project on exoskeleton control for individuals with spinal cord injuries. He is also a co-founder of Human Robotix Ltd, a London-based start-up developing novel robotic technologies for research on the human neuromuscular system.