Kristina Nikolovska
Robotics Researcher · Human–Robot Interaction · Human-Centered Autonomy
Robotics Researcher · Human–Robot Interaction · Human-Centered Autonomy
I am a robotics engineer and researcher working at the intersection of autonomous systems and human–robot interaction. My research focuses on how people perceive and interpret robot behavior, and how this understanding can inform the design of robots that operate and interact effectively in shared human environments.
I am especially interested in the connection between robot behavior and human perception. A robot can perform the same task in many different ways, and choices such as how it moves, approaches a person, or reacts to another robot can change how people understand its behavior. My work explores these differences and how we can use them to design more effective robot behavior.
My background combines robotics engineering, autonomous navigation and behavior planning, system integration, and empirical human–robot interaction research. I hold a PhD in Robotics from Constructor University Bremen, where I combined the development of autonomous robot behavior with human-participant studies. I am interested in continuing this work toward adaptive and interactive robotic systems that can operate effectively in real-world environments while remaining understandable to the people interacting with them.
Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
Conducted research in human–robot interaction and socially-aware robot navigation, investigating how robot movement and behavior influence human perception, safety, and comfort. Developed navigation and behavior-planning methods for autonomous mobile robots and designed controlled human-participant studies to evaluate how different robot behaviors are perceived and interpreted.
Project DetailsROBOLAB, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Investigated how robot speed, motion, and configuration influence perceived safety and comfort in human–robot collaboration. Designed and conducted HRI experiments and analyzed how changes in robot behavior affected participants' perceptions and willingness to interact with the robot.
University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Contributed to a research project developing a multisensor system for autonomous UAV landing-zone identification. Conducted sensor evaluation and supported the integration and testing of multiple sensors for identifying safe landing areas.
PaperConstructor University, Bremen, Germany
Designed and delivered an intensive course for 20 international undergraduate students, introducing the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Python programming. Developed lecture materials and hands-on programming exercises for students with predominantly non-engineering backgrounds.
AI Summer School, Kruševo, North Macedonia
Delivered a four-day workshop on applied AI, modern AI tools, and practical AI workflows. Mentored multidisciplinary teams in developing AI-based solutions to real-world challenges.
Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
Taught robotic perception, localization, and autonomous navigation using ROS and Duckietown. Supervised hands-on implementation of ROS-based perception and planning pipelines and mentored student teams through technical project milestones and final system demonstrations.
Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
Supervised Bachelor's research projects in human–robot interaction, multimodal mental-workload assessment, and gesture-based robot teleoperation. One supervised thesis received the Best Bachelor's Thesis Award 2025.
Krka d.d., Novo Mesto, Slovenia
Worked within the New Solutions team on researching, testing, and integrating new digital technologies into company workflows. Supported technical implementation, system testing, troubleshooting, and the introduction of new tools across departments.
Epilog d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia
Developed motion-planning algorithms for autonomous vehicle parking and contributed to the development of an industrial automated guided vehicle (AGV) system. Worked on algorithm design, implementation, and testing within the robotics development team.
Related PaperConstructor University, Bremen, Germany
Research focus: human–robot interaction and socially-aware navigation, investigating how people perceive and interpret robot behavior and how these insights can inform the design of autonomous mobile robots in shared human environments.
Robotcloud UG, Munich, Germany
Six-month entrepreneurship exchange focused on robotics innovation, technology validation, and early-stage product feasibility.
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Master's thesis: Development of motion-planning algorithms for autonomous vehicle parking.
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Major in Control Systems and Automation, with a focus on automation, control systems, and robotics.
Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 2026
Frontiers in Cognition – Perception, 2026
Cognitive Science, 50, e70188, 2026
IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), 2026
International Conference on Social Robotics and AI (ICSR+AI), 2026
Submitted to International Journal of Social Robotics, 2026
International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR), 2025, pp. 295–308
34th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Eindhoven, Netherlands, pp. 1902–1908
Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1528172
33rd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Pasadena, CA, USA, pp. 238–243
16th International Conference on Human System Interaction (HSI), Paris, France, pp. 1–7
20th International Conference on Advanced Robotics (ICAR), Ljubljana, Slovenia, pp. 1036–1041
IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Eindhoven, Netherlands
Workshop HomepageYoung Entrepreneur Summit, Bremen, Germany
International Youth Conference, Kruševo, North Macedonia
Conference LinkVirtual Study Visit: Youth-Led Social Entrepreneurship Support Structures in Practice, RAISE CSOs Project
Contributed 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.
Frontiers in Robotics and AI · Frontiers in Psychology · IEEE ICRA · IEEE HRI · IEEE RO-MAN · International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR)
kristina.nikolovska6@gmail.com
knikolovska@constructor.university
Bremen, Germany