Bristol, UK – Sabine Hauert, Professor of Swarm Engineering at the University of Bristol, has been awarded an honorary Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her pioneering contributions to the field of robotics, the university announced Monday.
The recognition acknowledges Professor Hauert’s two decades of research focused on developing robust and scalable robot swarms capable of operating effectively in complex, real-world scenarios. Her work centers on enabling collaborative robotics, where multiple robots function as a cohesive team to address challenges beyond the capacity of a single machine.
Professor Hauert’s research portfolio spans a diverse range of applications, from the development of nanorobots designed for targeted cancer treatment and wound healing to the deployment of drone swarms for environmental monitoring and logistical operations. Her team has also explored the potential of “social swarms” to enhance educational experiences and foster human creativity, according to the University of Bristol.
A key element of Professor Hauert’s approach is the development of both novel robotic hardware and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms. These innovations aim to facilitate seamless collaboration among robots, allowing them to function effectively “out-of-the-box” and at a large scale. She is also president and co-founder of Robohub.org, and executive trustee of AIhub.org, non-profits dedicated to connecting the robotics and AI communities to the public.
Beyond her research, Professor Hauert actively contributes to the advancement of the robotics and AI fields through leadership positions. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Open Source Robotics Foundation and as an Executive Trustee of the Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence. She has also advised numerous national and international committees, including the UK Robotics Growth Partnership and the Royal Society Working Group on Machine Learning, as well as holding positions on several IEEE RAS executive boards.
Prior to joining the University of Bristol, Professor Hauert conducted research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she focused on engineering swarms of nanoparticles for cancer treatment, and at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, where she oversaw the deployment of flying robot swarms. She earned her BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from EPFL.
“This is a wonderful surprise and a tremendous honour,” Professor Hauert said in a statement. “Robotics is at a pivotal moment, and I seem forward to continuing to advance the field while also supporting science communication.”
Professor Anthony Mulholland, Head of Bristol’s School of Engineering Maths and Technology, lauded Professor Hauert’s contributions, stating, “Her exceptional contributions to the field of robotics have had a profound impact advancing the field of robotics transcending health, disaster mitigation, and the development of smart cities.”
Professor Hauert’s research has secured over £40 million in funding, supporting ongoing projects and future innovations in swarm robotics.
