About

Hi, I’m Andrés Blanco, an incoming Robotics PhD student at EPFL/IDIAP under James Hermus, Sylvain Calinon, and Auke Ijspeert, who recently graduated from Cornell University.

My journey began with a strong focus on mechanical design for both robots and spacecraft, but my passion has since evolved towards researching robotics autonomy. More specifically, I am interested in manipulation and contact-rich planning in uncertain or dynamic environments using both learning and model-based methods, especially for assistive and domestic applications. I am especially open to interdisciplinary approaches, such as those drawing inspiration from human-motor control and other natural wonders.

I dream to develop intelligent robots that integrate seamlessly into our often unstructured and spontaneous daily activities, with the end goal of enabling us to live more fulfilling lives. My research acumen and multidisciplinary background - spanning planning, machine learning, control, perception, mechanical design, and human-robot interaction - positions me to innovate across both industry and academia. I’m driven by a desire to push the boundary of what we are capable of and to change the world for the better. I hope you share my aspirations! Feel free to reach out!