Catalogue of Possibilities / Supervisors

Dr Chongfeng Wei he/him

Pioneering robotics for a more connected world

Senior Lecturer

James Watt School of Engineering

Research interests:

Human-robot interaction, Robotics, Multi-agent systems, Bio-inspired robots, Autonomous systems, Autonomous driving, Swarm intelligence, AI in engineering

Research fields:

Human-robot interaction, Bio-inspired robots, Swarm intelligence

Mission Priority Areas

Why do you want to join the DiveIn community?

I am deeply motivated to join the DiveIn CDT community because of its pioneering focus on immersive technologies and human-centric design—an approach that perfectly aligns with my passion for developing robotics and AI systems that prioritize human needs. DiveIn’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration resonates with my belief that transformative solutions emerge at the intersection of engineering, social sciences, and creative design. My background in human-robot interaction and human-centric autonomous systems has shown me how critical it is to integrate technical innovation with an understanding of human behavior, ethics, and real-world impact—a philosophy central to DiveIn’s ethos. The CDT’s industry partnerships and real-world problem-solving focus are particularly exciting. I thrive in environments where research translates into tangible benefits—whether in healthcare, education, or assistive technologies—and I’m eager to contribute to projects that bridge academia and societal challenges. Finally, DiveIn’s cohort-based training model offers a unique opportunity to learn alongside peers from diverse disciplines, fostering the kind of creative exchange that drives breakthroughs. I’m eager to both contribute my perspective and grow as a researcher within this collaborative, future-shaping community.

Personal profile:

My group focuses on human–robot interaction and multi-agent systems in complex, nonlinear environments, with applications such as autonomous driving and robotics. We combine tools from quantum cognition, causal inference, game-theoretic learning, and bio-inspired control to move beyond rational-agent assumptions, enabling AI systems to better understand, predict, and adapt to human behaviors. Our work enhances interaction safety, interpretability, and robustness in real-world scenarios.

I am keen to form interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge engineering, cognitive science, machine learning, and social sciences—particularly to explore the human aspects of AI, such as bounded rationality and trust. Potential CDT projects could include: building human-centric autonomous systems, designing socially aware navigation policies for mobile robots, and investigating causal reasoning in multi-agent cooperation.

As a supervisor, I value intellectual curiosity, open dialogue, and interdisciplinary thinking. I encourage students to explore bold ideas grounded in rigorous theory, fostering both depth and creativity. Past students have gone on to academia and industry, contributing to fields like robotics, AI safety, and intelligent transportation.

My commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is integral to my research and teaching. I strive to create an inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives and supports underrepresented groups. This includes mentoring international students, advocating for women in engineering, and integrating ethical reflection into technical training.
Outside of work, I enjoy photography, hiking, and exploring the interplay of art and technology. These interests continually inspire my approach to research—combining creativity with analytical rigor.

https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/staff/chongfengwei/