Robotics & Autonomous Systems Technical Workshop at Imperial

Join us for an interactive showcase of cutting-edge research and facilities in robotics, engineering, and intelligent sensing. The event will feature demonstrations from Dr Alexandra Yarger of an advanced motion capture system within the flight arena, highlighting its use for precise tracking and analysis of flying animals and micro air vehicles (MAVs).

Visitors will also see several electrophysiology rigs currently configured for visual stimulation experiments, providing insight into how neural activity and sensory processing are studied.

The showcase will include demonstrations of small fly-controlled and autonomous robotic platforms, illustrating how biological principles inspire the design and control of next-generation robots.

A key highlight will be the DART (Dynamic Automated Real-Time Tracking) system, an advanced high-speed tracking platform that is currently under development. Two versions of the system will be demonstrated:

• A motion capture-based version that tracks marked objects with high precision.
• A markerless version that uses event-based cameras for real-time tracking, eliminating the need for reflective markers while enabling high-speed tracking of flying animals and MAVs.

The event will also feature ROBOGAST, an EPSRC-funded research programme led by Professor Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena and presented by Dr Jialei Shi at the Hamlyn Centre. ROBOGAST is developing next-generation soft robotic technologies for minimally invasive gastrointestinal intervention, intending to transform conventional endoscopy through self-propelled, intelligent robotic endoscopes. By combining expertise in soft robotics, surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, and clinical translation, the programme brings together engineers and clinicians to develop innovative robotic solutions that improve patient comfort, enhance procedural safety, and accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice.

In addition, participants will enjoy guided tours of research laboratories in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Hamlyn Centre, where they will explore pioneering work in robotics, automation, medical imaging, computer vision, sensing technologies, intelligent systems, and biomedical engineering. Researchers will provide insights into current projects, state-of-the-art facilities, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of healthcare, autonomous systems, and advanced engineering.

This will be a fully funded event, including accommodation (if required), travel and subsistence) and is open to RTPs working in Robotics and Autonomous Systems within universities across the UK.

We’re currently finalising the full programme and will release more information soon.
For now, please save the date and reserve your place.

We look forward to welcoming you to Imperial College London in September!