Annual Public Lecture of the Faculty of Engineering | Teaching Robots to See: Are We There Yet?

The annual public lecture of the University of Cyprus Faculty of Engineering, titled “Teaching Robots to See: Are We There Yet?”, was held with great success. The keynote speaker of the event was Dr. Margarita Chli, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the Vision for Robotics Research Lab (University of Cyprus and ETH Zurich). Dr. Chli is regarded as one of the most influential researchers worldwide in the field of robotic vision, relative to the stage of her academic career.

During the lecture, Dr. Chli presented critical issues related to robotic vision and its modern applications, addressing key questions concerning how robots perceive their environment, the methods through which they “learn” it accurately despite changes in lighting, motion, and complexity, as well as the research strategies aimed at developing more reliable and “intelligent” robotic systems.

The audience was welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Cyprus, Professor Marina Neophytou, who expressed her delight that the first public lecture of the year was taking place in the Faculty’s new facilities - a space that fosters the exchange of ideas and the development of interdisciplinary collaborations. Referring to Dr. Chli, she highlighted her groundbreaking research trajectory, noting among other achievements that she has secured a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC), one of Europe’s most prestigious funding schemes supporting frontier research.

The event was also addressed by the President of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, Professor Achilles Emilianides. He reminded the audience that just last month, the Academy unanimously decided to bestow an Honorary Award upon Dr. Margarita Chli, in recognition of her pioneering and internationally influential contributions to the field of robotic vision.

The open-to-the-public event, part of the ENGiTalks lecture series and held on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, was attended by members of the University’s Rectorate and Senate, academic staff, members of the research and student community, as well as representatives of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts. Following the conclusion of the presentation, a lively discussion with the audience ensued, along with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for fruitful exchange of ideas and the strengthening of existing and new collaborations within the research and academic community.