Pint of Robotics: Dr. David Russell (PhD), Vittorio Francescon, Mikolaj Kowal

Speaker 1: Dr. David Russell (School of Computing, University of Leeds)

Title: Pack It In: Bin-Packing into Partially Filled Containers Through Contact Via Trajectory Optimization. 

Bio: David is a postdoctoral researcher in the Robotic Manipulation Lab at the University of Leeds. His research focuses on model-based techniques that enable robots to perform complex, physics-driven interactions with their environments in order to accomplish challenging tasks. He is particularly interested in robotic manipulation in cluttered scenarios, such as warehouse bin packing and picking. His postdoctoral work builds on his PhD research (University of Leeds, 2021–2024), where he developed methods for speeding up trajectory optimisation methods for high-dimensional tasks. Prior to his PhD, David completed a Master’s degree in Mechatronics and Robotics, also at the University of Leeds.

Abstract: Bin packing is a well-studied problem in robotic manipulation, motivated by its central role in warehouse and logistics automation. Most research has focused on object-centric strategies, seeking optimal placement of 3D objects to maximise volumetric efficiency. Some approaches additionally consider the motion planning challenges involved but most avoid contact with the objects inside the container. Yet contact is a powerful tool for improving packing efficiency, and sometimes it is a requirement to achieve dense packing. In this talk, I present an early system that leverages purposeful contact to rearrange and free space within a container, enabling the successful placement of desired objects in otherwise constrained settings.

 

 

Speaker 2: Vittorio Francescon (School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering)

Title: Shape control of soft magnetic continuum robots

Bio: Vittorio is a final year PhD student in STORMLAB UK at the University of Leeds. His research focuses mainly on control and modeling for soft magnetic continuum robots and figuring out a good pizza recipe.

Abstract: Soft surgical robots offer a great alternative to more rigid instruments thanks to their compliance. Magnetics especially allow for external actuation, providing an even softer end-product than other actuation strategies. At the same time, magnetics introduce more challenges to the modeling and control of the robot. We propose here for the first time full shape control of a soft magnetic continuum robot and compare it with both at an open-loop approach and other existing research.

 

 

Speaker 3: Mikolaj Kowal (Leeds University Teaching Hospital)

Title: Surgery 4.0 - Immersive technologies in surgery

Bio: Mikolaj is a Clinical Research Fellow and PhD student at the University of Leeds and a General Surgery Specialist Trainee in the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery, with clinical interests in Colorectal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery. He graduated from the University of Manchester School of Medicine with Honours in 2019. Following completion of the Academic Foundation Programme, he continued on the NIHR academic pathway in General Surgery. My PhD focuses on the applications of immersive technology in colorectal surgery, developing a pre-operative planning system for colorectal cancer resections.

Abstract: Surgery 4.0, also known as digitisation of surgery, is a new technological revolution in our medical field. Implementation of digital technologies in the patient pathway has huge potential to improve outcomes. I will be sharing our research at Leeds in immersive technologies, translating 2D patient imaging into bespoke organ holograms for surgical planning and intra-operative navigation. I will also talk about my experience of working with novel surgical devices, and their early clinical evaluation, at the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Accelerated Surgical Care.