Robotics60: Memories

Staff, students and collaborators past and present share their memories from 60 years of Robotics at Queen Mary.

Dr Francesca Palermo

Principal Investigator at EssilorLuxottica, PhD student at Queen Mary, 2018-2022

"My favourite memory of Robotics at Queen Mary was connecting with brilliant minds coming from all over the globe, each bringing unique perspectives to the lab...

A group of Robotics Engineering PhD students and staff

and late-night Dungeons and Dragons sessions after the lab closed :)"

Dr Lorenzo Jamone

Lorenzo Jamone smiling in his lab

Senior Lecturer in Robotics & Programme Director MSc Advanced Robotics, 2016-present

"My favourite memory from Robotics at QMUL was teaching my first MSc class of Cognitive Robotics in 2018. Only three students back then... they became 100 in 2024 :)"

Dr Lorenzo Jamone and a selection of Robotics students, looking upwards as they pose in the lab

"I am proud of the growth of the Centre for Advanced Robotics (ARQ). ARQ was founded in 2016 and was counting only three core academic members, a handful of students, and no dedicated robotics facilities. Now, in 2024, ARQ hosts eight core academics, several associated members and researchers, about a hundred students including undergraduate and postgraduate, and more than 50 robots."

Dr Ranjan Vepa

A headshort of Dr Ranjan Vepa, smiling at the camera, wearing glasses and a white shirt The cover of Biomimetic Robotics, black and white.

Reader in Aerospace Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, 1985-present

"My favourite moment of Robotics at QMUL was the publication of my book Biomimetic Robotics: Mechanisms and Control in 2009. It was not only my first book, authored solely by myself, but also the very first book on Biomimetic Robotics, to be published. I was primarily interested in biomimetic robotics, including prosthetics and orthotics, in the nonlinear control problems associated with robotics and in space robotics. My interest in space robotics was kindled in part by NASA's plans to launch the international space station (ISS) and to launch and operate rovers on Mars."

Dr Ildar Farkhatdinov

Photo of Ildar

Senior Lecturer in Robotics, 2016-2024. Now Senior Lecturer in Healthcare Engineering (Robotics, Mechatronics, Haptics) at Kings College London

"My favourite memory of Robotics at Queen Mary is all the discussion around robotics research and applications, and playing music with colleagues from Physics in the SCR bar!"

Mohmad Azim Master

Mohamad Azim Master wearing sunglasses and a black coat, with mountains behind him

Technical Research Support Officer at QMUL, previously a masters student in Advanced Robotics

"One of my favourite memories at Queen Mary was running for Vice President of Science and Engineering. It was a rewarding experience that strengthened my leadership and public speaking skills, while allowing me to connect with the student body and advocate for their needs. Even though I finished as runner-up, it left a lasting impact and helped me build strong connections within the community.

Another highlight was serving as a Student Ambassador, where I represented the university during open days and events. Helping prospective students and balancing this role with my studies enhanced my communication and time-management skills."