The Organizing Committee of the Biosystems Engineering 2025 is delighted to announce Professor Karl Kruusamäe from Tartu University as our keynote speaker.
Karl Kruusamäe is an Associate Professor of Robotics Engineering at the University of Tartu, Estonia. He earned his PhD in 2012 from the University of Tartu and has enhanced his expertise through international research positions at AIST (Japan) and the University of Texas at Austin (USA).
Dr. Kruusamäe specializes in human-centered robotics, with particular focus on human-robot collaboration, multi-robot coordination, and open-source hardware development. His research bridges the gap between autonomous systems and human operators, exploring how these technologies can complement rather than replace human capabilities.
With more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications, he has made significant contributions to the field of collaborative robotics. Dr. Kruusamäe has led and contributed to dozens of international and national robotics projects, translating cutting-edge research into practical applications across multiple domains.
Beyond his research, he is passionately dedicated to popularizing robotics and advancing engineering education, working to inspire the next generation of robotics engineers and researchers.
Prof. Kruusamäe’s presentation is entitled “Designing Collaborative Autonomy: Challenges and Opportunities Across Agricultural and Forestry Systems“
Abstract. The rapid advancement of autonomous systems is transforming land management practices across agricultural and forestry sectors. This keynote explores the frontier of human-machine collaboration in these domains, examining how autonomous robots and intelligent machinery are reshaping operations from crop cultivation to timber harvesting and land excavation. We’ll investigate the technical challenges in developing truly autonomous field systems capable of navigating complex, unstructured environments, and discuss emerging solutions that balance automation with meaningful human oversight. Drawing on recent innovations and field deployments, the presentation will highlight key considerations for designing effective human-machine partnerships that enhance productivity, sustainability, and safety.