Ingenuity Labs Presents: Dr. Homayoun Najjaran

Title:
Physical AI and Intelligent Systems: Research Infrastructure and Collaborative Opportunities at the ACIS Laboratory

Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly evolved in the digital world, yet its integration into the physical world, for example to robustly execute robots and autonomous systems, demands advanced scientific and technological insights into complex, real-world systems. This presentation highlights the capabilities and collaborative potential of the Advanced Control and Intelligent Systems (ACIS) laboratory at the University of Victoria.

ACIS@UVic operates across three specialized divisions:
•    Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Driving innovations in autonomous mobility, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and complex field robotics.
•    Physical AI: Bridging the gap between machine learning and physical dynamics, focusing on hardware-in-the-loop validation, human-centric settings such as XR and HRC technologies.
•    Intelligent Systems: Delivering data-driven and AI-powered solutions for diagnosis and prognosis tools, operations research, and complex scheduling problems.

In this talk, Dr. Najjaran will demonstrate the core strengths in training HQP, experimental facilities, and mastering the process of building, curating, and structuring high-fidelity datasets specifically for physical AI applications. By showcasing the lab's current portfolio of AI-driven research, this session aims to identify strategic, high-impact research synergies and foster collaborative partnerships.
 

Bio:
Dr. Homayoun Najjaran is a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Victoria, where he serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Advanced Control and Intelligent Systems (ACIS) laboratory. His research and teaching focus on the analysis and design of mechatronics, control systems, and applied artificial intelligence, with broad applications in industrial automation, robotics, and autonomous systems. Together with his students, he has published over 200 articles dedicated to ensuring the safe and robust operation of autonomous systems in industrial settings. Dr. Najjaran is a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), a Fellow of the CSME, and the CEO of Cognia AI, a company providing AI-powered solutions and services to industry.