Nilay Kushawaha | Continual Learning for Robotics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Nilay Kushawaha | Continual Learning for Robotics | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna | Italy

Mr. Nilay Kushawaha is an innovative researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, specializing in continual learning, multimodal data fusion, and adaptive control for soft robotic systems. As a doctoral candidate at the Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, his work bridges advanced AI modeling with experimental robotics, creating intelligent machines capable of learning and adapting in real time. His contributions reflect a deep understanding of neural computation, reinforcement learning, and data-driven control, with research outcomes published in leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems and Advanced Robotics Research. Nilay’s approach combines theoretical insight with practical implementation, evident in his development of algorithms like SynapNet and AGPNN, which enhance robot perception and continual learning efficiency. His interdisciplinary expertise spans physics, machine learning, and robotic design, refined through global collaborations, including research at the National University of Singapore and Jefferson Lab in the USA. Recognized for academic excellence through multiple international scholarships and awards, Nilay also contributes to academic outreach by creating tutorials and coordinating robotics initiatives. His technical fluency in Python, C++, and ROS, along with proficiency in deep learning frameworks, complements his passion for intelligent system design. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of bioinspired robotics, Nilay’s vision centers on developing autonomous systems capable of adaptive, human-like learning and perception. His research continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of continual learning in robotics, marking him as a promising scholar and innovator in intelligent autonomous systems.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Kushawaha, N., Fruzetti, L., Donato, E., & Falotico, E. (2024). SynapNet: A complementary learning system inspired algorithm with real-time application in multimodal perception.

Kushawaha, N., & Falotico, E. (2025). Continual learning for multimodal data fusion of a soft gripper.

Kushawaha, N., Perovic, G., Donato, E., & Falotico, E. (n.d.). AGPNN: A dynamic architecture-based continual reinforcement learning algorithm for robotic control.

Kushawaha, N., Nazeer, S., Laschi, C., & Falotico, E. (n.d.). SMPL: A continual learning approach for dynamic modeling of modular soft robots.

Kushawaha, N., Pathan, R., Pagliarani, N., Cianchetti, M., & Falotico, E. (2025). Adaptive drift compensation for soft sensorized finger using continual learning.

Kushawaha, N., Alessi, C., Fruzetti, L., & Falotico, E. (2025). Domain translation of a soft robotic arm using conditional cycle generative adversarial network.

Syed Saad Azhar Ali | Artificial Intelligence | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Saad Azhar Ali | Artificial Intelligence | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Saad Azhar Ali, Associate Professor, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Syed Saad Azhar Ali seems highly suitable for the Research for Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award based on his extensive contributions to both academia and industry. Here are several key reasons why he qualifies:

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering (2007) – King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Specialization in Multivariable Nonlinear Adaptive Control)

MS in Electrical Engineering (2001) – King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Specialization in Controls and System Identification)

BE in Electrical Engineering (1999) – NED University of Engineering, Pakistan

👨‍🏫 Academic and Research Leadership

Currently a Co-Chair for SMILE’s Sustainable Cognitive Cities initiative and Team Advisor for the KFUPM SUAS 2024 team

Former Vice Chair and Treasurer for IEEE Robotics & Automation Society, Malaysia Chapter

Coordinator for the MX Program in Unmanned Aircraft Systems at KFUPM

Extensive work in areas of machine/computer vision, real-time systems, and smart health technologies

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Team Advisor for the SUAS 2024 championship-winning team, KFUPM

Multiple medals from ITEX, MTE, and SEDEX

Recognized by IEEE RAS, Malaysia, with Service and Excellence Awards

💼 Professional Affiliations

Senior Member of IEEE

Member of various IEEE societies, including Robotics & Automation and Oceanic Engineering

Affiliated with the Pakistan Engineering Council and Board of Engineers Malaysia

🌍 International Collaborations

Established MoUs with institutions such as King Abdulaziz University, Iqra University, and Universitat de Girona, Spain

📚 Publications 

Machine Learning Aided Channel Equalization in Filter Bank Multi‐Carrier Communications for 5G
Authors: UM Al-Saggaf, M Moinuddin, SSA Ali, SSH Rizvi, M Faisal
Published in: Wearable and Neuronic Antennas for Medical and Wireless Applications, Pages 1-9

A Comparative Study on Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithms for Fixed Order Controller Design
Published in: Communications in Computer and Information Science, Volume 128, Springer

Block-Oriented Identification of Nonlinear Systems: Neural Network Approach towards Identification of Hammerstein and Wiener Models
Author: Syed Saad Azhar Ali
Published by: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN: 978-3838335575, February 2010

U-model Based Control: Adaptive Control Approach for Multivariable Nonlinear Systems
Author: Syed Saad Azhar Ali
Published by: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN: 978-3838323299, November 2009

Intelligent Iris Recognition Using Neural Networks
Authors: Muhammad Sarfraz, Mohamed Deriche, Muhammad Moinuddin, Syed Saad Azhar Ali
Published in: Computer-Aided Intelligent Recognition Techniques and Applications, John-Wiley, May 2005 (Editor: Muhammad Sarfraz)