Seminar: Robotics is Changing, Dr. Songyan Xin, University of Leeds

Talk Abstract:
Robotics is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, robots have depended on precise mathematical models to guide their movements and interactions with the environment. Now, the field is shifting toward learning-based methods, enabling robots to improve their performance by gaining experience from data. In this talk, I will explore how this shift is shaping the future of robotics, drawing on my experiences in both academia and industry. I will share examples from my work with legged robots and mobile platforms, highlighting how learning techniques are making robots more adaptable, capable, and effective in real-world settings.
Finally, I will discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with this change, and what it means for the next generation of intelligent machines

Short Bio:
I am a Lecturer in Mobile Robotics at the University of Leeds. My research focuses on applying control, optimization, and machine learning to generate dynamic movements for mobile robots. Previously, I worked as a Senior Robotics Research Engineer at Dyson and as a postdoctoral researcher in control and machine learning for robotics at the University of Edinburgh. I hold a PhD in Bioengineering and Robotics from the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of Genoa, an MSc in Automation, Robotics, and Applied Computer Science from École Centrale de Nantes, and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and Automation from Zhejiang University.