Gaetano Lettera | Collaborative Robotics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gaetano Lettera | Collaborative Robotics | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow, UNIVPM Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy

Gaetano Lettera is an expert in robotics, specializing in motion planning, human-robot collaboration, and advanced automation. He earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, where he developed a deep expertise in robotic manipulation and control systems. With a strong academic and research background, he has collaborated on various innovative projects, including those for the aerospace and industrial automation sectors. His professional journey spans research assistant roles at the University and working as a Project Engineer at various companies like Loccioni and AEA S.R.L. Lettera’s work has led to notable contributions in human-robot collaboration, safety systems, and AI-driven robotic systems. His scientific publications showcase the results of his research, particularly in the areas of motion planning, sensor fusion, and robot safety in collaborative environments.

Education🎓

Gaetano Lettera pursued his studies at the University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’ where he first earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering (2015) and later a Master’s degree in the same field (2017). His educational background is built on a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science, coupled with advanced courses in robotics, control systems, and automation. His thesis work focused on robotic manipulation, involving depth camera integration and motion planning algorithms. As part of his master’s program, Lettera developed algorithms for object recognition and 6D localization to enhance robot manipulation capabilities. His academic journey also included a specialization in human-robot collaboration, where he explored safety systems and real-time robot control. Alongside his academic credentials, Lettera strengthened his English proficiency with an IELTS Academic certification and advanced C1-level skills at Shane Global English School in the UK.

Experience💼

Gaetano Lettera has over 7 years of experience in the robotics and automation industries, combining research, software development, and project management. He began his career with research internships at the University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, where he worked on robot motion planning, object manipulation, and collision avoidance. He later transitioned to roles as a Project Engineer at companies like Loccioni and AEA S.R.L., where he focused on human-robot collaboration (HRC) and aerospace automation. His key responsibilities included leading the development of robotic systems for assembly and inspection in aerostructures. Lettera has worked on the design and integration of advanced robot control algorithms for industrial applications. He has also contributed to various European projects in the aerospace sector. Currently, he works as a Project Engineer, managing projects from concept to implementation, and is involved in the development of innovative automation systems for complex industrial processes.

Research Focus🔬

Gaetano Lettera’s research focuses on the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-robot collaboration (HRC). His primary interest lies in developing robust motion planning algorithms and real-time control systems that allow robots to work safely and efficiently alongside human operators in industrial settings. He has conducted significant work in advanced robotic manipulation, using depth cameras and sensor fusion to enhance object recognition and localization for complex tasks. Lettera’s research also emphasizes safety in collaborative workspaces, where he has applied deep learning techniques to monitor human-robot interactions in real-time. His work on collaborative robotics is critical for the next generation of manufacturing, particularly in high-precision industries like aerospace. By integrating AI into these systems, he aims to improve efficiency, safety, and adaptability. Lettera’s contributions to the field have resulted in multiple published works in top-tier robotics journals and international conferences.

Publication Top Notes📚

  1. Flexible Motion Planning for Object Manipulation in Cluttered Scenes (2018)
  2. Motion Planning and Reactive Control Algorithms for Object Manipulation in Uncertain Conditions (2018)
  3. A Fuzzy Inference Approach to Control Robot Speed in Human-Robot Shared Workspaces (2019)
  4. A Multimodal Perception System for Detection of Human Operators in Robotic Work Cells (2019)
  5. A multimodal approach to human safety in collaborative robotic workcells (2019)
  6. Grasp Control for Enhancing Dexterity of Parallel Grippers (2020)
  7. Can Robots Refill a Supermarket Shelf? (2020)

 

André Araújo | Multi-Robot System | Best Researcher Award

Mr. André Araújo | Multi-Robot System | Best Researcher Award

CTO & PhD Candidate, Ingeniarius, Lda & Institute For Systems and Robotics – U Coimbra, Portugal

André Araújo is the CTO and co-founder of Ingeniarius, Lda., an R&D company specializing in robotics and AI. With over a decade of experience in mobile, aerial, and aquatic robotics, he has developed multi-robot systems for industrial and scientific applications. His expertise spans autonomous navigation, AI integration, and sensor systems. André holds an MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Multi-Robot Systems. He has worked at leading R&D institutions such as ISR Coimbra, INESCTEC Porto, and IST-ID Lisbon. His professional journey includes contributions to cutting-edge projects like AGVs, swarm robotics, aerial robotics, and smart systems. He has published numerous research articles and actively collaborates with industry leaders to drive technological innovation in robotics and AI. His work adheres to international standards, ensuring quality and efficiency in development processes.

Education

André Araújo pursued his academic journey at the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), where he obtained his MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a focus on Robotics and Automation in 2012. Currently, he is continuing his education with a Ph.D. in Multi-Robot Systems at the same institution. Throughout his academic career, André has developed a deep understanding of autonomous navigation, cooperative robotics, sensor systems, and AI, shaping his research interests and innovations in the field of robotics. His Ph.D. research focuses on the development of intelligent multi-robot systems with applications in industrial, scientific, and real-world scenarios. He has received fellowships and grants for research in robotics from institutions like INESCTEC Porto, ISR Coimbra, and IST-ID Lisbon, where he also contributed to several pioneering projects in autonomous systems. This strong academic foundation has played a crucial role in his successful career as a researcher and innovator in robotics and AI.

Experience

André Araújo’s professional career spans over 10 years, with a focus on robotics and AI innovation. He is the CTO and co-founder of Ingeniarius, Lda., where he leads projects in mobile, aerial, and aquatic robotics. Since 2014, he has developed intelligent multi-robot systems for industrial and scientific applications, tackling challenges in automation, navigation, and AI. As a researcher and consultant at institutions like ISR Coimbra, INESCTEC Porto, and IST-ID Lisbon, André has contributed to multiple high-profile projects such as AGVs, swarm robotics, aerial drones, and autonomous systems. He has played a key role in the development of cutting-edge robotic technologies for applications ranging from infrastructure monitoring to fire prevention. His experience includes overseeing projects from inception to implementation, ensuring compliance with international standards like ISO 9001. Through his career, André has developed a comprehensive skill set, including project management, R&D, and system integration.

Research Focus

André Araújo’s primary research focus is on developing multi-robot systems and autonomous navigation technologies. His expertise lies in the integration of robotics, AI, and sensor systems to address complex industrial and scientific challenges. He specializes in designing and implementing intelligent robotic systems for applications such as infrastructure monitoring, search and rescue operations, wildfire prevention, and agricultural automation. André’s research extends to swarm robotics, where he explores collaborative approaches to improve system efficiency and performance. A significant part of his work revolves around the application of AI algorithms to enable real-time decision-making and coordination among multiple robots. His focus also includes advancements in human-robot interaction and the development of systems that support autonomous operation in dynamic environments. With a deep interest in the future of robotics, André aims to push the boundaries of automation, contributing to the advancement of industries and scientific fields through innovative solutions and interdisciplinary research.

Publication Top Notes

  • A Multi-Drone System Proof of Concept for Forestry Applications 📄🌳
  • Unlocking the Potential of Human-Robot Synergy Under Advanced Industrial Applications: The FEROX Simulator 🤖🏭
  • An Image-Based Framework for Measuring the Prestress Level in CFRP Laminates: Experimental Validation 📐
  • Towards the Next Generation of Multi-Robot Systems for Solar Power Plants Inspection and Maintenance 🌞🚁
  • Benchmarking for Strain Evaluation in CFRP Laminates Using Computer Vision: Machine Learning versus Deep Learning 🧠💻
  • Multi-Robot Path Planning based on Self-Organized Map for Autonomous Robots (SOMAR) 🛠️
  • ROS Integration of an Instrumented Bobcat T190 for the SEMFIRE Project 🤖🔥
  • Localization and navigation assessment of a heavy-duty field robot 🚜📍
  • Mediçao da extensao em laminados de cfrp pré-esforçados no reforço de elementos de betao 📊
  • Improving the robustness of a service robot for continuous indoor monitoring 🏠🤖
  • A Reliable Localization Architecture for Mobile Surveillance Robots 🕵️‍♂️
  • Fostering human–robot cooperative architectures for search and rescue missions in urban fires 🔥🚨
  • Using Artificial Intelligence for Pattern Recognition in a Sports Context ⚽🤖