
Sajjad Hussain
- Lecturer, School of Arch, Tech and Eng
I am a Lecturer in Robotics, Automation and Control Engineering at the University of Brighton, UK, where I am involved in teaching and research in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and intelligent automation.I completed my PhD in 2026 at the University of Brighton. My doctoral research focused on developing intelligent robotic systems capable of understanding and responding to human gestures, speech and natural-language commands.My research focuses on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), collaborative robotics, robot manipulation, computer vision and AI-driven robotic control. I have experience developing and implementing robotic systems using ROS 2, MoveIt 2, machine learning and large language models, including applications involving the Franka Emika Panda robotic manipulator.My current research interests include vision-language models, diffusion policies, multimodal robot learning, embodied artificial intelligence and intelligent robotic manipulation, with particular interest in applications for sustainable and circular manufacturing.Before joining the University of Brighton as a Lecturer, I gained academic teaching and industrial engineering experience, including work in software engineering, mechanical design and artificial intelligence.
Research interests
-
Human-Robot Interaction and Human-Robot Collaboration
-
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Robotics
-
Vision-Language Models and Large Language Models
-
Robot Manipulation and Motion Planning
-
Multimodal Learning and Gesture-Based Robot Control
-
Diffusion Policies and Embodied AI
-
ROS 2, Digital Twins and Robotic Simulation
-
Intelligent Automation and Sustainable Robotics
Approach to teaching
My teaching approach focuses on combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on learning, research-led teaching and real-world engineering applications. I aim to create an interactive and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity and independent problem-solving.
Practical and Programming-Based Learning
I integrate laboratory demonstrations, programming exercises, simulations and real-world engineering problems into my teaching. I encourage students to develop practical coding skills using Python, C++, MATLAB and ROS 2, helping them understand how theoretical concepts are implemented in engineering applications.
Research-Led Teaching
I incorporate recent scientific publications, research methodologies and emerging technologies into my teaching. I encourage students to explore research papers, critically evaluate existing methods and apply research findings through practical projects. This helps develop their analytical, scientific writing and independent research skills.
Industry-Oriented and Project-Based Learning
Drawing on my academic and industrial experience, I connect classroom learning with real-world engineering challenges. I encourage students to work on practical projects involving robotics, artificial intelligence, automation and intelligent systems, developing their technical, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Inclusive and Interactive Teaching
I recognise that students have different educational backgrounds and learning needs. I use interactive discussions, quizzes, practical activities and regular feedback to support their understanding and encourage active participation.
My overall aim is to bridge the gap between theory, research, programming and industrial practice, preparing students for professional engineering careers and further research.
