Mon. Oct 2nd, 2023
    Dr. Alexander Abad Places Second in UK’s Best PhD in Robotics Award

    Dr. Alexander Abad, an international student at Liverpool Hope University, has achieved a remarkable feat in the field of robotics. He secured the second position in the Queen Mary UK Best PhD in Robotics Award, an esteemed competition that recognizes outstanding doctoral research in robotics.

    Dr. Abad’s achievement is a result of his groundbreaking thesis titled “Fine-grained Haptics: Sensing and Actuating Haptic Primary Colors (Force, Vibration, and Temperature).” His research focuses on developing a revolutionary sensor with potential applications in telemedicine and telerobotics. This sensor has the ability to enhance human interaction with robots and technology, opening doors to new possibilities in healthcare and beyond.

    The UK Best PhD in Robotics Award is sponsored by the Centre for Advanced Robotics at Queen Mary, University of London. This prestigious competition is open to students enrolled in robotics PhD programs at universities across the United Kingdom. The submitted research undergoes rigorous evaluation by a panel of esteemed international experts in the field of robotics.

    Dr. Abad had the opportunity to present his groundbreaking research at the TAROS Conference, a renowned UK-hosted international conference that focuses on robotics and autonomous systems. This platform allowed Dr. Abad to share his insights and innovations with fellow researchers and experts from around the world.

    In addition to his impressive research, Dr. Abad’s achievement is notable as he is the first Filipino student to secure a top-three position in the history of the Queen Mary UK Best PhD in Robotics Award. This accomplishment is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and the significance of his research in the field of robotics.

    Dr. Abad’s PhD journey was guided and nurtured by his dedicated supervisor, Dr. Anuradha Ranasinghe, from the School of Math, Computer Science, and Engineering at Liverpool Hope University. He also received valuable support from Professor David Reid, the Director of Studies, and the Department of Science and Technology’s Engineering Research and Development for Technology (DOST-ERDT) Foreign PhD Scholarship. The Mme Maillefer Study Program of De La Salle University, Manila, also played a significant role in supporting Dr. Abad’s educational journey.

    Upon receiving the Queen Mary UK Best PhD in Robotics Award, Dr. Alexander Abad expressed his gratitude. He emphasized the importance of mentorship and support in the academic world and acknowledged the collaborative efforts that allowed his groundbreaking research to flourish.

    Dr. Abad’s research in fine-grained haptics and his remarkable achievement in the Queen Mary UK Best PhD in Robotics Award illustrate the continuous growth and innovation within the field of robotics. His work has the potential to transform human-machine interaction in various industries, including telemedicine and telerobotics.

    Dr. Alexander Abad’s journey from Liverpool Hope University to the Queen Mary UK Best PhD in Robotics Award serves as an inspiration to aspiring researchers. His groundbreaking research in fine-grained haptics holds the promise of revolutionizing human-robot interaction and leaving a significant impact on industries such as healthcare and technology. This accomplishment also highlights the significance of diversity and inclusion in academia and robotics.

    With the support of mentors, institutions, and collaborative efforts, the field of robotics continues to thrive and shape the future of technology and human-machine interactions.

    Sources:
    – Queen Mary Centre for Advanced Robotics
    – TAROS Conference