Özhan Özen

Robotics & AI Engineer

About Me

As a robotics engineer focused on AI, particularly reinforcement learning and sim2real approaches, I aim to make robots more intelligent and capable of learning complex manipulation skills with human-like adaptability. With a background spanning robotics and human motor learning, I integrate insights from computer science, control theory, and neuroscience to advance robotic intelligence. Currently, I develop innovative robotic systems that use reinforcement learning to acquire skills for the automatic disassembly of electric vehicle batteries, supporting the circular economy and a greener future.

Experience

Data Scientist & Scientific Project Leader

Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne Ltd.

June 2022 - Present

sipbb.ch

As the Swiss Battery Technology Center (SBTC) subgroup, we are driving a cutting-edge initiative to develop robotic systems for the disassembly of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, aimed at recycling and upcycling.

In my role as the scientific project leader, I focus on leveraging deep reinforcement learning to enable robots to acquire essential disassembly skills in simulation, which are then transferred to real-world robots using advanced sim2real techniques. By integrating AI, robotics, and automation, we aim to create scalable and efficient solutions that enhance sustainability in EV recycling and contribute to a more circular economy.

Robotics Engineer

Preen AG | Zurich, Switzerland

Jan 2022 - May 2022

preentechnologies.com

Robotic software development. Robot & camera calibration.

PhD Researcher in Biomedical Engineering

University of Bern | Switzerland

Nov 2017 - Oct 2021

Developing intelligent algorithms that can automatically learn how to modulate robotic assistance for accelerating individuals’ motor learning in the context of robotic neurorehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Robotics Intern

University of Zurich | Switzerland

Sep 2016 - Feb 2017

Internship on rehabilitation robotics at the Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist, with a focus on motion control design & development for ARMin exoskeleton rehabilitation robot.

Robotics Intern

Keio University | Tokyo, Japan

Jun 2014 - Aug 2014

Robotics & motion control systems internship at the Ohnishi Laboratory.

Robotics Intern

ABB | Istanbul, Turkey

Jun 2013 - Aug 2013

Industrial robot programming.

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

University of Bern | Switzerland

2017 - 2021

PhD thesis at the MLN Lab: “Intelligence, Adaptation and Automation of Robotic Training for Motor Learning and Neurorehabilitation.”

MSc in Robotics, Systems & Control

ETH Zurich | Switzerland

2015 - 2017

MSc thesis at the Sensory-Motor System Lab: “Human Arm Joint Torque Estimation with Rehabilitation Robots.”

BSc in Mechatronics Engineering

Sabanci University | Istanbul, Turkey

2010 - 2015

BSc Thesis: “Stewart Manipulator Design and Control for Surgery.”

A Little More About Me

Alongside my professional interests, some of my other interests and hobbies are:

  • Wind-/Kitesurfing
  • Squash
  • Lindyhop