Nadia Figueroa
Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM)
University of Pennsylvania
About Professor Nadia Figueroa
Professor Nadia Figueroa serves as the Shalini and Rajeev Misra Presidential Assistant Professor in the esteemed Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn is globally recognized as a premier institution for groundbreaking engineering research, consistently driving innovation across diverse fields. The MEAM department, in particular, is celebrated for its robust academic environment and pioneering contributions to robotics, mechanics, and applied sciences. Its affiliation with the world-renowned GRASP Laboratory underscores its leadership in interdisciplinary research, providing unparalleled resources and a collaborative atmosphere for faculty and students pushing the boundaries of engineering and robotics.
🧬Research Focus
Professor Figueroa’s research fundamentally redefines human-robot interaction, focusing on developing human-aware robotic systems capable of safe, intelligent, and physically grounded collaboration in dynamic, shared environments. Her work expertly integrates advanced concepts from robot learning, motion planning, and control theory to enable robots to manipulate complex objects, coordinate multi-arm tasks, and anticipate human motion in real-time. This interdisciplinary approach, spanning artificial intelligence, manipulation, and embodied intelligence, holds immense significance for future robotics. Her innovations promise breakthroughs in collaborative manufacturing, assistive technologies, and personalized automation, paving the way for intuitive and effective human-robot teams across various real-world applications.
🎓Student Fit & Career
Prospective PhD students seeking to contribute to the forefront of robotics and AI will find an exceptional academic mentorship opportunity with Professor Figueroa. Ideal candidates possess strong foundations in areas such as control theory, machine learning, and computational robotics, coupled with a passion for interdisciplinary problem-solving and an interest in human-centered design. Students engaged in this graduate research will develop advanced skills in designing, implementing, and validating complex robotic systems. Graduates from this lab are well-prepared for impactful careers in leading research and development roles within academia, top-tier robotics companies, or innovative technology firms seeking experts in human-robot collaboration and advanced artificial intelligence.
Research Areas
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