A Kurdish scientist at the forefront of robotics in Germany

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SCIENCE – Hanover, Germany, Kurdish researcher Rojin Muftizadeh is leading an ambitious robotics project at Leibniz University.

Her goal: to develop advanced algorithms that allow robots to move completely autonomously, making them useful in the construction sector.

Rojin works specifically with a quadruped robot named GeoPawe. This name combines “geo” (geography) and “paw” (English for paw), referencing a dog’s paw. While the general public often calls it a “robot-dog”, scientists prefer the more precise term “four-legged robot”.

A robot inspired by the animal world

“The design of this robot is inspired by animals,” explains Rojin Muftizadeh. “Our goal is to make it intelligent: it should be able to autonomously overcome obstacles, create maps of its environment, and adapt to different tasks.”

Her work focuses mainly on navigation systems. She develops sophisticated algorithms that allow the robot to analyze its environment through various sensors and merge this data in real time.

A concrete application in construction

In the long term, Rojin aims to deploy these robots on construction sites:

“They will be able to carry out quality controls, verify wall compliance, and detect any construction defects. For this, very advanced algorithms that can integrate information from multiple sensors are required.”

Artificial intelligence: between fears and trust

Facing public concerns about artificial intelligence, Rojin Muftizadeh remains measured:

“Personally, I am not afraid of AI. I believe that when experts fully understand the system and keep it under control, it remains safe. Artificial intelligence and humans must cooperate. I do not think there will be a day when these robots will escape human control.”

Journey of a researcher in the diaspora

Rojin Muftizadeh has been living in Germany since 2016. After a master’s degree, she started a doctorate in 2019, which she defended in 2023. She is now continuing her research as a postdoctoral researcher.

On a daily basis, she works 8 to 9 hours a day at the university, where she supervises master’s and doctoral students. She also serves as the equality officer within her research group to ensure the rights of everyone are respected.

“Regardless of the workload, I try to maintain a good balance between work life and personal life,” she concludes.