Organizers

Francesca Cordella is Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome (UCBM). She received the Laurea degree in Electronic Engineering and the Ph.D. in Computer and Automation Engineering both from the University of Naples Federico II. In 2011, she was visiting student at the Institut fur Robotik und Mechatronik, Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR). From 2013 to 2018 she was Assistant Researcher and from 2018 to 2024 she was Assistant Professor both in the Research Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies at UCBM. She is member of the Technical and Scientific Program Committee and Associate Editor for several International Conferences, Workshops and Journals. She is Co-Chair of the IEEE/RAS Technical Committee on Rehabilitation and Assistive Robotics. Her research interests are mainly in the field of biomechanics, biomedical robotics, rehabilitation and assistive robotics, bionics, bio-inspired robot control strategies, vision-based approaches for motion reconstruction and human-robot interaction, multimodal interfaces for assistive and collaborative robotics, psychophysiological assessment, limb prostheses, human-robot interaction, sensory feedback restoration, functional electrical stimulation, closed-loop systems. She was and is involved in the role of Co-Principal Investigator, Project Manager and scientific manager for more than 25 European and national projects in her fields of interest. She has authored/coauthored 3 patents and more than 115 peer-reviewed publications appeared in international journals, books and conference proceedings. 

Edward E. Brown, Jr. is Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Biomechatronic Learning Laboratory (BLL) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He received the B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. He has served as Associate Editor for the IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN) and currently serves as North American Co-Chair of the IEEE/RAS Technical Committee on Rehabilitation and Assistive Robotics.

His research focuses on assistive and rehabilitation robotics, multimodal human–robot interaction, and the development of intelligent orthotic and wearable robotic systems. In particular, his work investigates the integration of physical and physiological human information into robotic technologies designed to support individuals affected by muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injuries. He is also active in engineering education, with research addressing inclusive teaching, mentoring, and strategies for increasing participation in STEM disciplines. He has received research funding from the National Science Foundation, Intel Corporation, Analog Devices, the Semiconductor Industry Association and the Heinz Endowments. His Brashear Project brings together Brown’s research interests in rehabilitation robotics, engineering education, and his passion for improving pluralism in engineering academe. 

Prof. Elisha Didam Markus is a Professor of Electrical Engineering with research and academic leadership spanning intelligent systems, control engineering, embedded technologies, and the application of advanced engineering solutions to address societal challenges. His work focuses on the design and deployment of smart technologies that improve human wellbeing, enhance accessibility, and support sustainable technological development.

Prof. Markus has experience in multidisciplinary research, collaborating with engineers, computer scientists, and healthcare professionals to develop innovative solutions at the intersection of automation, artificial intelligence, sensing, and human-centred technologies. His research interests focus on the development of intelligent robotic systems that support physical rehabilitation, enhance human–robot interaction, and promote independent living. His work emphasizes affordable, robust, and context-appropriate technological solutions that can be deployed in resource-constrained environments, contributing to inclusive healthcare and wider access to rehabilitation services, and translating emerging robotic technologies into practical solutions that address real-world rehabilitation and assistive care challenges.

Prof. Tetsuyou Watanabe received the B.S., M.S., and Dr.Eng. degrees in mechanical engineering from Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, in 1997, 1999, and 2003, respectively. From 2003 to 2007, he was a Research Associate with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Japan. From 2007 to 2011, he was an Assistant Professor with the Division of Human and Mechanical Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University. From 2008 to 2009, he was a Visiting Researcher with Munich University of Technology. From 2011 to 2018, he was an Associate Professor with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University. Since 2018, he has been a Professor with Kanazawa University. His current research interests include robotic hand, grasping, object manipulation, medical sensors, surgical robots, and user interface