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Mirko Kovac
Professor and Director at Imperial College London and the Swiss Federal Institute of Material Science and Technology
Professional Background
Professor Mirko Kovac is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the field of robotics, serving as the Director of the Aerial Robotics Laboratory at Imperial College London and the Head of the Materials and Technology Centre of Robotics at the Empa Materials Science Institute in Switzerland. His leadership roles at these prestigious institutions allow him to bridge academia and practical application in the burgeoning field of aerial robotics.
Prof. Kovac’s visionary research focuses on the innovative development of novel, biologically inspired flying robots that are designed for distributed sensing in both air and water environments. This work represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, which are increasingly vital for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and various smart city applications. His endeavors also encompass the intriguing domain of autonomous robotic construction, aimed at enhancing our digital infrastructure systems and fostering sustainable development.
Moreover, he has established himself as a specialist in areas such as robot design, fluid-structure interaction, and multi-modal robot mobility. His expertise feeds into various sectors, as he regularly advises industry leaders, investment funds, and governmental bodies on the strategic direction of robotic research. Prof. Kovac's work has earned him recognition as an emerging leader in bio-inspired aerial robotics, demonstrating his commitment to advancing this transformative field.
Education and Achievements
Professor Kovac's academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ). Following this, he further advanced his academic qualifications by obtaining his Master of Science and then his Doctor of Philosophy in Robotics from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in 2010. His academic trajectory is marked by a series of prestigious collaborations, including a research associate position at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as practical experiences at renowned organizations such as RIETER Automotive, WARTSILA Diesel Technology Division, and CISERV in Singapore.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of robotics, Professor Kovac has been awarded the esteemed Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship, an accolade that underscores his position among the leading scholars in his discipline. Throughout his career, he has authored over 50 scholarly articles published in high-impact journals, including notable works in Science, IEEE Transactions, and Science Robotics. His research outputs not only contribute to the academic community but also benefit industry stakeholders who seek insights and advancements in mobile robotics.
Achievements
- Director of the Aerial Robotics Laboratory: As the Director of a leading research facility at Imperial College London, Prof. Kovac oversees groundbreaking research on drone technologies and bio-inspired robotics.
- Head of the Materials and Technology Centre of Robotics: In this role at Empa, he leads research focused on innovative materials and methods for robotic applications, which is crucial for the evolution of the field.
- Published Research: With over 50 published articles in major scientific journals, Prof. Kovac's work is widely cited and recognized in the academic sphere. His publications cover a diverse array of topics within robotics and mechanical engineering, showcasing his expertise and innovative thinking.
- Awards and Fellowships: Prof. Kovac is the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including the prestigious Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship, which acknowledges his significant contributions to science and engineering. His influence extends to consultation roles, where he contributes to advancing robotic research strategy across various sectors.
- Advisory Roles: As part of his commitment to the field, he has served on advisory boards for technological firms and research initiatives, providing guidance that helps shape the future of robotics and its applications in society.
Prof. Mirko Kovac continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics. With a deep dedication to both research and education, he is shaping the next generation of engineers and scientists who will lead in the robotics sector. To learn more about his impactful research, publications, and team contributions, visit his research group pages at Imperial College Aerial Robotics and EMPA Robotics.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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