Researchers from the Australian Cobotics Centre and its partner institutions made a strong contribution to the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2026, held in Vienna—one of the world’s leading forums for robotics research.

Across the week, Centre researchers presented work spanning healthcare robotics, advanced manufacturing, and real-time perception, highlighting both technical innovation and real-world application.

Advancing robotic healthcare

A key contribution came from Mariadas Capsran Roshan (Swinburne University of Technology), who presented the paper “Finding an Initial Probe Pose in Teleoperated Robotic Echocardiography via 2D LiDAR-Based 3D Reconstruction”, co-authored with Edgar Mauricio Hidalgo, Mats Isaksson, Michelle Dunn, and Jagannatha Charjee Pyaraka.

The research explores how a robot-mounted 2D LiDAR sensor can reconstruct a patient’s chest surface in 3D and automatically estimate an initial ultrasound probe position. This approach has the potential to streamline teleoperated cardiac imaging—reducing setup time and supporting more efficient remote diagnostics, particularly in settings where specialist access is limited.

Improving precision in robotic manufacturing

From the QUT Centre for Robotics, Zongyuan Zhang presented “Acoustic Feedback for Closed-Loop Force Control in Robotic Grinding”, alongside co-authors Christopher Lehnert, Will Browne, and Jonathan Roberts.

This work introduces a low-cost alternative to traditional force sensing in robotic grinding, using acoustic feedback to maintain stable and consistent material removal. By significantly reducing hardware requirements while preserving performance, the research offers a pathway to more accessible and scalable automation for industry.

Real-time perception and tracking

In another contribution, Lan Wu, Sheila Sutjipto, Jennifer Wakulicz, and Teresa Vidal Calleja presented “DisFlow: Scene Flow from Distance Field for Object Pose, Velocity Tracking, and Surface Reconstruction.”

This research advances real-time scene understanding, enabling robots to simultaneously track object pose, motion, and surface geometry. Such capabilities are critical for robots operating in dynamic, unstructured environments, where accurate perception underpins safe and effective interaction.

Leadership and global engagement

Beyond paper presentations, Professor Teresa Vidal Calleja contributed as a keynote speaker at the Workshop on Long-term Deployments in the Wild (LoWi): Perception, Learning, and Navigation, sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities of deploying robotic systems outside controlled lab environments.

ICRA also provided a valuable platform for collaboration and connection. Researchers engaged with peers from academia and industry, strengthened existing partnerships, and explored leading robotics laboratories at TU Wien. These interactions continue to play a vital role in translating research into real-world impact.

A growing international presence

The Centre’s presence at ICRA 2026 reflects the breadth and depth of its research, spanning human-centred robotics, industrial automation, and intelligent perception systems.

By contributing to one of the most prestigious conferences in the field, these researchers are not only advancing their respective domains but also strengthening Australia’s position in the global robotics ecosystem.

As collaborations deepen and new opportunities emerge, the momentum from ICRA 2026 will continue to shape the next phase of research and innovation across the Centre and its partners.

QUT’s newest humanoid robot, QUTie, has been stepping beyond the lab and into real-world environments—supporting research, sparking conversations, and building connections across Queensland and northern New South Wales.

As part of a broader push to explore how humanoid robots can integrate into everyday life, QUTie recently joined researchers on a regional and industry engagement tour, showcasing the role robotics can play in future communities, workplaces, and industries.

Inspiring communities across Queensland

Through outreach initiatives, including visits linked to the Country Universities Centre, QUTie has been helping engage regional communities in discussions around technology adoption and innovation. These interactions are not only inspiring curiosity but also informing future research directions—grounded in real-world perspectives on how robotics can support regional and remote Australia.

By bringing a humanoid robot directly into these settings, researchers are gaining valuable insights into how people respond to emerging technologies outside controlled environments.

Robotics meets industry and design

QUTie also joined A/Prof Müge Belek Fialho Teixeira and Prof Jonathan Roberts at the Metricon Design Summit in Byron Bay, where robotics and digital innovation took centre stage.

Müge shared insights into the future of construction, exploring how robotics and digital fabrication are transforming building practices. At the same time, Jon highlighted the growing role of humanoid robots in everyday contexts—from construction sites to domestic environments—demonstrating their potential to support a wide range of tasks.

Outside the conference, QUTie made a memorable appearance at Cape Byron Lighthouse, turning heads and drawing attention from visitors—offering a glimpse of how humanoid robots are increasingly entering public spaces.

Shaping the future of humanoid research

These real-world experiences are playing a critical role in shaping QUT’s humanoid robotics research. By combining technical development with community and industry engagement, the team is building a deeper understanding of usability, trust, and application in diverse settings.

As QUTie continues to travel, interact, and learn, it represents more than a technological milestone—it’s a step toward a future where humanoid robots are part of everyday life.

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