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Akin Tatoglu

Akin Tatoglu headshot

Professor; Associate Dean; Director, Autonomous Robots and AI (ARAI) Lab

Mechanical, Aerospace, and Acoustical Engineering

College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture
860.768.4591 UT 235 (Office), HC 210 (Lab) LinkedIn AkinTatoglu.com
Education

PhD, Mechanical Engineering (Robotics), Stevens Institute of Technology

MBA, Business Analytics, University of Hartford

MS, Computer Science, Gazi University (Ankara)

BS, Computer Engineering, Başkent University (Ankara)

Dr. Akin Tatoglu is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Acoustical Engineering and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) at the University of Hartford. He founded and directs the Autonomous Robots and AI (ARAI) Lab, formerly the Autonomous Mobile Robotics Group. His work applies AI to the sensing, modeling, and control of robotic and mechatronic systems, including SLAM and 3D mapping, agile mobile platforms, and on-device generative AI for robot control.

The ARAI Lab is a multidisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate engineers building legged robots, autonomous vehicles, aerial mapping systems, and medical imaging tools with industry, clinical, and academic partners. Dr. Tatoglu has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers, and his research has been funded by NASA, the Department of Defense SBIR program, the State of Connecticut, and industry sponsors. More than 30 students have co-authored papers from his lab.

He teaches Automatic Control Systems, Mechatronics System Design, and Machine Vision and Robotics, a course he created. His teaching emphasizes self-directed learning and high-impact practices, and he mentors M.S. thesis students and capstone teams.

As Associate Dean and Director of Engineering Graduate Programs, he oversees college operations, assessment, and industry partnerships, and he launched CETA's first fully online Master of Engineering program in Mechanical Engineering, later followed by Civil Engineering. He co-chaired the University's Artificial Intelligence Committee and chairs the ASME Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures Technical Committee.

Professor, Mechanical Engineering 
University of Hartford, Fall 2025 – Present 

Associate Dean, College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture 
University of Hartford, Fall 2024 – Present 

Assistant Dean, College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture 
University of Hartford, Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 

Director of Engineering Graduate Programs 
University of Hartford, Fall 2022 – Present 

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering 
University of Hartford, Spring 2021 – Spring 2025 

Director, Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program 
University of Hartford, Spring 2020 – Present 

Director, Autonomous Robots and AI (ARAI) Lab (formerly Autonomous Mobile Robotics Research Group) 
University of Hartford, Fall 2017 – Present 

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering 
University of Hartford, Fall 2015 – Spring 2021 

Instructor, Department of Mechanical Engineering 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Spring 2015 

Instructor, Computer Science 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Summer 2014 

Teaching Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Spring 2012 – Fall 2014 

Research Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering 
Stevens Institute of Technology, Fall 2009 – Fall 2011 

Co-Founder, Principal 
Obsidian Research & Development, Jan. 2008 – Aug. 2009 

Project Manager / Research Engineer 
Underwater Systems Inc., Aug. 2006 – Aug. 2009 

Software Team Leader / Research Engineer 
Tumer Engineering, METU Technopolis, Aug. 2003 – July 2006 

University and College 
  • Chair, CETA Promotion and Tenure Committee  ·  Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 
  • Member, University AI Implementation Committee  ·  Summer 2025 – Fall 2025 
  • Co-chair, University Artificial Intelligence Committee  ·  Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 
  • Retention Committee  ·  Fall 2023 – Present 
  • SCAA Committee  ·  Fall 2023 – Present 
  • CETA Undergraduate Internal Assessment  ·  Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 
  • NECHE Assessments for Graduate Studies  ·  Spring 2023 – Spring 2024 
  • Selection Committee, Director of the Graduate Student Experience  ·  Summer 2023 
  • Chair, CETA Graduate Committee  ·  Fall 2022 – Present 
  • CETA Graduate Marshal, Commencement  ·  Fall 2022, Spring 2024 
  • Greenberg Junior Faculty Research Grants Selection Committee  ·  Spring 2022 
  • ABET Accreditation Team, Mechanical Engineering  ·  Fall 2021 – Spring 2022 
  • Residential Learning Community, STEM Director  ·  Fall 2021 – Spring 2022 
  • CETA Technology Advisory Board for Online Teaching  ·  Summer 2020 
  • Faculty Search Committee, Robotics Engineering  ·  Spring 2020 
  • Diversity Committee, Member  ·  Fall 2019 – Spring 2020 
  • Faculty Senate, Senator  ·  Fall 2017 – Spring 2020 
  • Faculty Affairs Committee, Co-chair  ·  Fall 2017 – Spring 2018 
  • Faculty Senate Executive Committee  ·  Fall 2017 – Spring 2018 
  • Faculty Search Committee, Biomedical Engineering  ·  Spring 2017 
  • CETA Strategic Planning Committee  ·  Spring 2016 
  • Faculty Search Committee, Electrical and Computer Engineering  ·  Spring 2016 
  • Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board  ·  Fall 2015 – Present 

 

Professional 
  • Chair, ASME Applied Mechanics Division, Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures, Control Theory and Applications  ·  2021 – Present 
  • Reviewer, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)  ·  2011 – Present 
  • Reviewer, IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS)  ·  2012 – Present 
  • Reviewer, ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE)  ·  2015 – Present 
  • NSF Panel Reviewer, Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE)  ·  2018 
  • Session Organizer, ASME IMECE, Design and Control of Robots, Mechanisms and Structures  ·  2016 
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 
  • Cyber-Physical Systems Virtual Organization (CPS-VO) 
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 
  • Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
  • Mobile robotics
  • SLAM and 3D mapping
  • Machine vision
  • Autonomous vehicles
  • Edge AI
  • Generative AI for robot control
  • Robot control systems
Selected Publications 
  1. Sohn K., Gerber A., Tatoglu A. “Monocular-Vision-Based 3D Obstacle Detection with a Single Degree-of-Freedom Roll Joint,” SPIE Unmanned Systems Technology XXVIII, 2026. 
  2. Naina N.I., Tayeen A.S.M., Russell I., Jung A., Tatoglu A. “Clinical Narratives Matter: Feature-Level Fusion for Improving ICU Length-of-Stay Prediction,” FLAIRS-39, 2026. 
  3. Li W., Hung Y., Altuger-Genc G., Zhang S., Tatoglu A., Zhang Z. “Integrating AI/ML Learning in Senior Projects for Mechanical Engineering Technology Students,” ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, 2025. 
  4. Genc Y., Altuger G., Tatoglu A. “In Search of a Lightweight “Good Enough” Offline Generative AI for Mobile Robots: Performance Benchmarking,” International FLAIRS Conference, 2025. 
  5. Genc Y., Altuger G., Tatoglu A. “Prompting AI-Based Agents for Self-Directed Learning,” ASEE Northeast Section Conference, 2025. 
  6. Tatoglu A., Pelczarski A., Balaji D., Campana C., Takafumi A., Altuger-Genc G. “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Feedback-Guided Self-Balance Equipment with Variable Motion Protocols for Physical Therapy and Elite Athletes,” Annual Review of Biomechanics, 2024. 
  7. Ho J., Cajuste J., Schneidler A., Tatoglu A., Sohn K. “Integration of IoT Network and Sensors with a Full-Sized Quadruped in a Simulated Human-Centered Environment,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2024. 
  8. Tatoglu A., Pelczarski A., Balaji D., Pezzolesi J., Campana C., Takafumi A., Altuger-Genc G. “Benchmarking the Efficacy of Feedback Guided Self Balance Equipment with Variable Motion Regimens for Physical Therapy and Elite Athletes,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2024. 
  9. Altuger-Genc G., Tatoglu A. “Incorporating AI in Engineering Assignments as a Reliable Self-Directed Learning Tool: A Pilot Implementation Overview,” ASEE Northeast Section Conference, 2024. 
  10. Wong S., Markiewicz M., Keilich S., Tatoglu A., Sohn K. “Development of the Kinematic Adjustable Humanoid Platform and its Driving Capability,” Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 2023. 
  11. Tatoglu A., McClurkin E., Vaka M.S., Kelly R., Diehl E., Sohn K., Altuger-Genc G. “Continuously Variable Heterogeneous Density 3D Map Generation for Aerial Vehicles,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2023. 
  12. Tatoglu A., Wilson K., Chabot A., Marcelin J., Campana C., Arico M.C. “Feedback Guided Self Training Smart Balance Equipment for Physical Therapy and Elite Athlete Use,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2023. 
  13. Sohn K., Wisdom J., Robinson J., Sharpe E., Kumar R., Tatoglu A. “Development of a Control System Architecture for a Self-Driving Humanoid, HART,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2023. 
  14. Tatoglu A., Yin C., Cervello B., Corrado A., Balko B., Sohn K. “Aerial Vehicle Rapid 3D Map Generation for Safe Landing Area Detection,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2022. 
  15. Sulaiman A., Sohn K., Tatoglu A. “Mechanical Design Upgrade of Kinematically-Reconfigurable Humanoid, HART,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2022. 
  16. Tatoglu A., Campana C., Yu Y., Alnajjar H., Nazaryan N. “Design and Investigation of the Mini-Multilayer Inverse Conical Coil for Micro Displacement Detection in Fuel Injection Nozzles,” Journal of Vibration Testing and System Dynamics, 2021. 
  17. Tatoglu A., Vollaro S., Wein M., Sohn K. “Multi-Purpose Open-Source Quadruped Platform for Robotic Research and Training,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2021. 
  18. Genc Y., Altuger G., Tatoglu A. “Systematic Review of ASEE Conference Proceedings (2007–2016) with a Machine Learning Approach,” International Journal of Engineering Education, 2020. 
  19. King E., Tatoglu A., Iglesias D., Matriss M. “Audio-Visual Based Non-Line-of-Sight Sound Source Localization,” Applied Acoustics, 2020. 
  20. Tatoglu A., Campana C., Nolan J., Toloczko G. “Fuzzy Logic Controller Design of a Single Stage Fluid Valve Based Robotic Arm,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2020. 
  21. Simko J., Tatoglu A. “Rapid Motion Control and Design of a Tricopter Style Hovering Ground Robot,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2019. 
  22. Benvenuto M., Tatoglu A. “Design and Optimization of Lidar Based 3D Point Cloud Parsers and Algorithms for Mobile Robotics Applications,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2019. 
  23. Dion S., Tatoglu A. “ROS Based Adjustable Resolution Compact Scanner,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2019. 
  24. Tatoglu A., King E. “Self Driving Car Path Planning Modification with Respect to Rapid Emergency Vehicle Detection,” Inter-Noise, Madrid, 2019. 
  25. Iglesias D., Matriss A., Tatoglu A., King E. “Improving Autonomous Vehicle Safety: Using Acoustic Source Localization to Influence the Decision Making Capabilities of an Autonomous Vehicle,” 177th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, 2019. 
  26. Jacobson E., Tatoglu A. “Performance Analysis of UAV Visual Landmark Tracking Under Rapid Motion,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2018. 
  27. Tatoglu A., King E., Lagler J. “On Self-Driving Car Safety: Occupancy Modification with Rapid Emergency Vehicle Detection,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2018. 
  28. Campana C., Tatoglu A. “Low-Cost Robotic Arm Manipulator Controller with Single Stage Fluid Valves,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2018. 
  29. Lamb S., Sohn K., Mellodge P., Tatoglu A. “Control Analysis of a 3D Self-Balancing Inverted Pendulum and Cart System for Stability in the Event of a Sensor Failure,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2018. 
  30. King E., Lagler J., Tatoglu A. “Emergency Vehicle Detection Using Acoustic Source Localization Techniques,” Inter-Noise, 2018. 
  31. Tatoglu A., Altuger G., Han Y., Campana C. “Incorporation of Computerized Applied Learning Environments in Traditional and Online Classroom,” ASEE Northeast Section Conference, 2018. 
  32. Tatoglu A. “Parameter Identification and Closed Loop Control of a Flywheel Mounted Hovering Robot,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2017. 
  33. King E., Tatoglu A., Celmer B. “Participatory Noise Mapping: Harnessing the Potential of Smartphones Through the Development of a Dedicated Citizen-Science Platform,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2017. 
  34. Altuger G., Genc Y., Tatoglu A. “Investigating the Involvement of Self-Directed Learning in Flipped Classrooms: A Unique URL-Based Search Method,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2017. 
  35. Tatoglu A., Altuger-Genc G. “An Application Overview of Project-Based Learning in Freshman and Senior Level Courses with 12-Step Design Process,” ASEE Mid-Atlantic Section Fall Conference, 2017. 
  36. Tatoglu A., Kodali M., Mullapudi L., Campana C. “Investigation of Mechanical Energy Storage System for Agile Mobile Robot Motion,” IEEE IESC, 2017. 
  37. Jacobson E., Darius S., Tatoglu A., Mellodge P. “Bionic Egg: Sealed Mobile Sensor Packaging Design with Adaptive Power Consumption,” IEEE LISAT, 2017. 
  38. Tatoglu A., Russell I. “Implementing Self Learning Skills with Multidisciplinary Robotics Courses,” ASEE Mid-Atlantic Section Conference, 2016. 
  39. Tatoglu A., Greenhalge S., Windheuser K. “Utilizing Reaction Wheels to Increase Maneuverability and Localization Accuracy of a Hovering Robot,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2016. 
  40. Tatoglu A., Campana C. “Adaptive Gimbal Control Approach to Account for Power Consumption and Landmark Tracking Quality,” ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE), 2016. 
  41. Tatoglu A., Gebre B., Pochiraju K. “Motion Plan Execution Using Empirical Data for an Omni-Directional Multi-Ball Drive Robot,” IEEE TePRA, 2015. 
  42. Tatoglu A., Pochiraju K. “CNC Tool Path Monitoring with Modified MonoSLAM,” IEEE Systems, Applications and Technology Conference, 2015. 
  43. Tatoglu A., Pochiraju K. “Point Cloud Segmentation with LIDAR Reflection Intensity Behavior,” IEEE ICRA, 2012. 
  44. Pochiraju K., Men H., Tatoglu A. “Multi-Robot Forward Observation with Remote Lethality,” Stevens Research & Entrepreneurship Conference, 2011. 
Invited Talks 
  1. Tatoglu A. “Probabilistic Methodologies for Autonomous Mobile Robot Localization and Agile Motion Control,” WPI Colloquium Series, March 2020. 
  2. Tatoglu A. “Doctoral Recruitment Event,” Keynote Speaker, Stevens Institute of Technology, March 2019. 
  3. Tatoglu A. “The Future of AI, Health Care and Robotics,” Video Talk, Parliament of Future Citizens, United Nations Education Summit, France, 2019. 
  1. Principal Investigator, “Benchmarking and Comparison of Evolution of Robot Control Technologies Utilizing Disseminated Academic Research and Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT).” 
    Funded by NASA CT Space Grant, 2023. 
  2. Principal Investigator, “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Assignments as a Dependable Self-Directed Learning Aid.” 
    Funded by Harrison Endowed Faculty Development Fund Grant, 2024. 
  3. Principal Investigator, Faculty Student Engagement Grant, “Conscious Troubleshooting and Improving Critical Thinking Skills in Peer Supported Project Environment.” 
    Fall 2022-Spring 2023. 
  4. Principal Investigator, “Investigating and Improving Interdisciplinary Communication Skills for STEM Students in a Peer Supported Project Environment.” 
    Funded by NASA CT Space Grant, 2021. 
  5. Principal Investigator, Faculty Student Engagement Grant, “A Peer Supported Multidisciplinary Robotics Project Environment.” 
    2020. 
  6. Co-Principal Investigator, “Aerial Vehicle Dynamic Object Tracking.” 
    Funded by SBIR with Custom Electronics. 
  7. Principal Investigator, “Intensity-Based Dynamic 3D Map Generation for Cooperative Autonomous Mobile Robot Localization.” 
    Funded by Student/Faculty Engagement Grant, 2019. 
  8. Principal Investigator, “Improving Career Readiness with Multidisciplinary Project-Based Peer Learning.” 
    Funded by High Impact Practices, Goal-1 Grant, 2017. 
  9. Principal Investigator, “Snowplow Robot.” 
    Funded by The Women's Advancement Initiative, Dorothy Goodwin Scholars Program Grant, 2017. 
  10. Principal Investigator, “Implementing Self-Learning Skills with Multidisciplinary Robots Courses.” 
    Funded by Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, Engaged Learning Fellowship, 2017. 
  11. Principal Investigator, “Rapid Control Systems Design and Development Utilizing Single Board Computers and Numerical Computing Environment.” 
    Funded by Student/Faculty Engagement Grant, 2017. 
  12. Co-Principal Investigator, “Innovation Place (IP) Robotics Program.” 
    Joint awardee with Trinity College, funded by CT Government “CT Next Program Grant, 2017. 
  13. Principal Investigator, “Autonomous 3D Mapping System.” 
    Funded by Coffin Grant, 2016. 
  14. Principal Investigator, “Utilizing Robotics for Labs and Capstone Projects.” 
    Funded by Student/Faculty Engagement Grant, 2016. 
  15. Principal Investigator, “Bionic Egg: Smart, Ruggedized Remote Sensor Suite for Environmental Conditions.”
    Funded by Aviagen Group, 2016.