Kristina Nikolovska
Research Associate · Social Navigation and Human–Robot Interaction
Research Associate · Social Navigation and Human–Robot Interaction
I am a robotics engineer and researcher working at the intersection of autonomous systems, navigation architectures, and human–robot interaction. My work focuses on how intelligent robotic systems can be designed, implemented, and experimentally validated to operate reliably in shared human environments.
What drives my work is a creative curiosity about movement — how small changes in speed, trajectory, or spatial behavior can completely reshape how a robot is perceived. I enjoy translating abstract behavioral ideas into concrete robotic control architectures, building systems where technical precision and human interpretation meet.
My background combines engineering, system integration, and experimental validation. I completed my Master’s in Robotics with a focus on motion planning and control systems, and I am currently pursuing a PhD developing socially-aware navigation layers for mobile robots. I am motivated by turning creative technical ideas into deployable systems that people can understand, trust, and work alongside.
Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
Working within the DFG SPP “The Active Self,” I design and implement modular ROS-based navigation architectures that generate controlled robot behaviours in shared human environments. My work focuses on translating behavioural concepts—such as efficiency, spatial sensitivity, and motion legibility—into deployable navigation layers and experimentally validating their impact on system performance and human collaboration. I develop multimodal pipelines for behaviour generation, data collection, and quantitative analysis, bridging autonomous systems engineering with controlled evaluation.
Project DetailsUniversity of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Studied how robot speed and end-effector type (safe vs. unsafe tools, e.g., sponge vs. blade-like tool) influence user trust, perceived safety, and willingness to work with robots. In the first study, participants observed a robot performing random movements with different end-effectors and reported their comfort and how close they were willing to approach the robot. In the second study, participants collaborated with the robot on two tasks under varying speeds and tool conditions, evaluating their comfort and willingness to work alongside the robot. Contributed study reports and publications for the CROPS project.
Epilog d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia
Developed an AGV parking-planner algorithm and contributed to a team building a new warehouse AGV system. Worked on algorithm design, implementation, and testing as part of the broader development of Epilog’s next-generation industrial robot.
Related PaperUniversity of Ljubljana
Worked as part of a research team developing a multisensor UAV landing-zone detection system. Contributed to sensor fusion design, sensor selection and placement, and the integration and testing of the perception pipeline used to identify safe landing areas in varied environments.
PaperConstructor University, Bremen, Germany
Designed and delivered an intensive short course covering data processing pipelines, supervised learning, and core AI methods. The course included practical implementation exercises and hands-on labs to provide participants with working pipelines and reproducible analysis workflows.
Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
Designed and delivered a project-based course introducing students to AGV perception, localization, navigation, and control. Led hands-on Duckietown labs where students implemented and tested autonomous driving pipelines on physical platforms. Mentored 20+ students through weekly supervision, technical guidance, and project reviews; coordinated assessment and final evaluation.
Krka d.d. tovarna zdravil, Novo Mesto, Slovenia
Worked as part of the New Solutions team, researching, testing, and introducing new digital technologies and applications into the company’s workflow. Supported more than 200 users with technical troubleshooting, onboarding, and system optimization. Contributed to IT infrastructure testing, problem analysis, and integration of new tools intended to improve reliability and efficiency across departments.
Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
Research focus: social navigation and human–robot interaction, with an emphasis on how robot motion is perceived, interpreted, and used to shape collaborative behaviour.
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Master’s thesis: Path planning for parking of an autonomous vehicle, exploring motion-planning approaches for precise and efficient autonomous parking manoeuvres.
University of Ljubljana
Specialisation in Control Engineering, with coursework and practical projects in automation, control systems, and robotics.
2025 17th International Conference, ICSR+AI 2025, Naples, Italy, September 10–12, Part I, LNCS 16131
2025 34th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Eindhoven, Netherlands, pp. 1902-1908
Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1528172
2024 16th International Conference on Human System Interaction (HSI), Paris, France, pp. 1-7
2024 33rd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Pasadena, CA, USA, pp. 238-243
The Brunswik Society Newsletter, 39, 48–51
2021 20th International Conference on Advanced Robotics (ICAR), Ljubljana, Slovenia, pp. 1036-1041
IEEE RO-MAN 2025, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Workshop HomepageYoung Entrepreneur Summit, Bremen, Germany
International Youth Conference, Kruševo, North Macedonia
Conference LinkContributed to an Erasmus+ initiative tackling youth unemployment across eight Balkan countries by developing a digital platform connecting education, labour markets, and youth sectors. Supported cross-border cooperation, research activities, and the creation of sustainable career pathways for young people
Led Slovenia’s work package within an Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership (KA205, six partners). Managed a five-member team, coordinated collaboration with more than 30 local enterprises, and worked closely with the Ministry of Economic Development. Contributed to designing support structures for youth entrepreneurship and early-stage business growth.
Co-initiated and co-wrote an Erasmus+ project addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. Organised and delivered outreach workshops for over 150 high-school students, promoting careers in technology and empowering young women to pursue STEM pathways.
Completed a 6-month entrepreneurial exchange at Robotcloud UG in Munich, focusing on robotics innovation, start-up development, and early-stage business strategy. Gained hands-on experience in shaping technological ideas into viable entrepreneurial concepts.
IEEE ICRA · IEEE HRI · IEEE RO-MAN
Frontiers in Robotics & AI
kristina.nikolovska6@gmail.com
knikolovska@constructor.university
Bremen, Germany