Paula Abad

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About

Paula Abad is a roboticist whose work bridges the practical challenges of autonomous navigation with the creative frontiers of human-robot interaction. Her research centers on two key areas: developing robust topological mapping systems for safer robot navigation, and exploring the integration of autonomous systems into cultural and artistic contexts. In her foundational work on topological maps, Abad tackled the critical problem of organizing vast perceptual data into efficient, usable structures—enabling robots to navigate complex environments more reliably. This contribution, cited in subsequent navigation studies, addresses the ongoing challenge of turning big data into actionable spatial knowledge. Abad also demonstrated the broader societal potential of robotics through her innovative project integrating an autonomous robot into a Dance and New Technologies Festival. This work, which has garnered attention for its interdisciplinary approach, showcases how robotic systems can be seamlessly embedded into live performances and public events. With her dual focus on technical robustness and creative application, Abad exemplifies how robotics can advance both from a safety-critical engineering perspective and as a tool for cultural expression.