AI & Robotics: First dissertation successfully defended at UTN

The Iranian-born researcher explores how large-scale AI “foundation models” can enhance robot perception and action in real-world environments. Her work integrates advanced vision-language and language models into robotic systems for tasks such as visual localization, semantic grasping, intelligent vacuuming, and robust manipulation. By enabling robots to reason about objects and scenes in a context-aware, adaptable way her methods significantly improve robots’ ability to operate reliably in complex, dynamic human environments.

“Language models, like the GPT models, can provide understanding, but the real breakthrough is enabling machines to turn that understanding into meaningful, context-aware actions” explains Mirjalili, who previously studied at the Technical University of Munich. “I am pleased to have completed my doctorate at UTN, and I am excited about the next steps.” For the time being, she will remain at UTN and continue her research in the area of robotics and artificial intelligence.

Doctoral Research at Interdisciplinary Interfaces

“Reihaneh Mirjalili has made a valuable contribution at the intersection of language-based AI and robotics with her dissertation. Her research demonstrates how complex models can be applied in practical ways within dynamic environments. I warmly congratulate her on the successful defense of her thesis,” says Prof. Dr. Wolfram Burgard, Reihaheh Mirjalili’s advisor and founding chair of the Department of Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence.

Currently, more than 50 doctoral researchers are working at UTN, particularly on interdisciplinary interface topics. In addition to the Department of Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence, the Department of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences also contributes to the development of a modern doctoral culture. This is characterized by interdisciplinary supervision, structured support, and the promotion of international networking.