General Secretariat for Youth
2011
Worked voluntarily in the Hellenic Post Office of Hydra during the summer season. This was part of the Hellenic Ministry of Transport and Communications “Holidays and volunteering” program.
Robotics engineer, researcher, and software developer
Athanasios Mastrogeorgiou
Ph.D. candidate and senior robotics researcher focused on perception, motion planning, control, and software systems for legged and field robotics.
- Base
- Athens, Greece
Research, consulting, and applied robotics work from Athens.
- Research
- Ph.D. Candidate @ NTUA
Perception, motion planning, and control for biomimetic legged robots.
- Current Role
- Senior Robotics Researcher
Hellenic Robotics Center of Excellence.
- Contact
- mastrothanasis@gmail.com
About
Research, engineering, and academic work in robotics and AI.
Profile
Athanasios (Thanasis) Mastrogeorgiou is a robotics researcher who takes algorithms from high-fidelity simulation to robust field deployments in agriculture, healthcare logistics, energy infrastructure, and industrial automation.
He is a Ph.D. candidate in Mechatronics at the Control Systems Laboratory of NTUA, supervised by Prof. Evangelos G. Papadopoulos, working on perception and motion planning for legged robots: reinforcement-learning-based control, multi-camera SLAM, and gait analysis.
His work was a Best Agri-Robotics Paper finalist at IEEE/RSJ IROS 2024, a Best Paper finalist at IEEE/ASME AIM 2023, and received Second Prize at CLAWAR 2020.
- Date of birth
- January 17, 1986
- mastrothanasis@gmail.com
- Address
- Petralona, Athens, Greece
- Website
- mastrogeorgiou.gr
- linkedin.com/in/mastrogeorgiou
- Google Scholar
- Scholar profile
- Current focus
- Research, engineering, and delivery in robotics.
Focus Areas
- Perception, motion planning, and control for biomimetic legged robots.
- Leadership across robotics software, AI-driven systems, and cross-disciplinary product delivery.
- ROS, C++, embedded systems, Gazebo, MuJoCo, and multibody simulation workflows.
Community & Volunteering
ARSIS – Association for the Social Support of Youth
2017
Teaching Computer Essentials at the Association for the Social Support of Youth (ARSIS). ARSIS is a Non Governmental Organization, specializing in the social support of youth that are in difficulty or danger and in the advocacy of their rights.
Beyond Work
- Martial Arts
- Photography
- Mountain Climbing
- FPV Drone Builds
Projects
Selected work across wheeled systems, legged locomotion, simulation, and aerial builds.
Robust Visual Servoing for Precision Agriculture Tasks
Visual servoing using mecanum wheels for precision agriculture tasks.
View project
Container Loading Procedure
MSC Adams simulation using detailed CAD files for container loading workflows.
View project
Evaluating Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithms
Second Prize Award work on evaluating DRL algorithms for quadrupedal systems.
View project
Slope Handling for Quadruped Robots
Deep reinforcement learning and control for handling slopes with quadruped robots.
View project
EtherCAT Master for Laelaps II Quadruped
Middleware and EtherCAT control work for the Laelaps II quadruped platform.
View project
Learning Bipedal Locomotion Using Finite State Machines
Framework for motion processing on demonstrated data and FSM-based motion representation.
View project
Evaluation of the Webots Robot Simulation Environment
Evaluation of Webots during quadruped robot motions and comparison with alternative software.
View project
Navigation Using Potential Fields
Autonomous navigation scenarios built in the Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio ecosystem.
View project
Building FPV Drones
Independent drone builds and flight experiments around custom FPV systems.
View projectEducation
Studies in applied informatics, artificial intelligence, automation, and professional languages.
Academic Background
2016 - Present
PhD Candidate
National Technical University of Athens, Athens (Greece)
Robotics: Perception, motion planning and control for biomimetic legged robots.
2011 - 2013
Interdepartmental Program of Postgraduate Studies in Automation
National Technical University of Athens, Athens (Greece)
Dissertation Title: Evaluation of the Webots robot simulation environment during quadruped robot motions, and comparison with alternative software.
Project Achievement: The project's goal was to build a Webots model of the lab's (NTUA CSL) Quadruped Robot and using Matlab programmed controllers perform a number of tests on various terrains in order to evaluate the software and the controllers.
2008 - 2009
MSc in Artificial Intelligence
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
Dissertation Title: Learning Bipedal Locomotion Using Finite State Machines.
Project Achievement: Building a framework that performs motion processing on demonstrated data, and reveals the information necessary, in order to rig a motion on an FSM representation.
2003 - 2008
BSc (4-year) in Applied Informatics
University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki (Greece)
Dissertation Title: Autonomous Robot Navigation Within The Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio Simulation Environment.
Project Achievement: Analysing and evaluating the MRDS platform by setting up various robot navigation scenarios. Another important outcome of this project was a manual for the MRDS (in Greek) which can later be used by university students on future projects.
Languages
- German: B2 (Independent user)
- English: C2 (Proficient user)
- Greek: Native
Experience
Research, software engineering, delivery leadership, and applied robotics roles across academia and industry.
Nov 2025 - Present
Senior Robotics Researcher
HERON - Hellenic Robotics Center Of Excellence
Perception and motion planning for legged robots.
Jan 2024 - Dec 2025
Senior Robotics Engineer
- Led technical teams in the development of innovative robotics solutions, improving project outcomes through effective cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Mentored junior engineers, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Streamlined development processes, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency across cross-functional teams.
- Specialized in robotics software development, AI/ML integration, and simulation environments, contributing to state-of-the-art advancements at RobotiCo.
Jan 2021 - Dec 2025
Delivery Manager
Tech Hive Labs
Managing and overseeing full project lifecycles to ensure timely and efficient delivery of robotics and AI-driven solutions:
- SOFTGRIP: Functionalized soft robotic gripper designed for the delicate harvesting of produce, employing imitation learning-based control.
- AUTOPSY: Intelligent multi-drone inspection system developed for critical energy infrastructure.
- ODIN: Leveraging advanced AI technology to revolutionize healthcare delivery in leading European hospitals.
- INSIGHT: Integrated robotic system enabling autonomous inspection of extra-high voltage centers and substations.
- PARSEC: Enhanced parcel and letter security solutions designed for postal and express courier logistics.
- GRINNER: Advanced waste management system utilizing AI-powered battery detection through X-ray imaging and robotic pick-and-place operations.
- TUBERS: Scalable and modular robotic solutions for efficient pipeline inspection and repair.
- PALPABLE: Multi-sensor tool for minimally invasive surgical procedures.
- SoliDAIR: Accelerating the robust, rapid, and efficient adoption of data-driven AI and robotics applications in industrial production settings.
Dec 2019 - Feb 2021
Robotics Software Engineer
2014 - Present
Researcher @ Legged Robots Team NTUA
Projects:
- ARGOS - Agile multifunctional quadruped Robot for all-terrain precision aGriculture applicatiOnS.
- INTELLICONT - Development and Manufacturing of Intelligent Lightweight Composite Aircraft Container.
- DAAD - Perspectives for Control of Complex Robots.
- THALES - Biomimetic Legged Robots Operating in Rough Environments.
- HEXATERRA - The development of a modular stepping locomotion system for installation on subsea trenching machines used for subsea energy cable burial.
May 2018 - Dec 2019
Robotics Software Engineer
Sept 2013 - Present
Freelance Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer | Web Developer.
Sept 2009 - Dec 2010
Computer Systems Maintenance Technician
2006
Training Consultant
Representing University of Macedonia I was responsible for informing the public on broadband services using specific demonstration scenarios (video streaming, video conference, distant learning, etc.).
Communication Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills (presentations, experience abroad, personal interaction and written correspondence).
- Participation in various teams and ability to adapt to multicultural environments.
- Experience in both individual and team work.
Publications
Journal articles, conference papers, abstracts, theses, and talks on legged locomotion, gait analysis, agricultural and inspection robotics, and robot perception.
Journal Articles
Geladaris, A., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Simatos, O., Poulakakis, I., Sfakiotakis, M., and Polygerinos, P., “Artificial Feature Generation and Optimal IMU Placement for VIO in Pipeline Inspection Robots,” IEEE Access, vol. 14, pp. 115469–115479, 2026, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3716363.
Geladaris, A., Papakostas, L., Mastrogeorgiou, A., and Polygerinos, P., “Exploiting a Variable-Sized Map and Vicinity-Based Memory for Dynamic Real-Time Planning of Autonomous Robots,” Robotics, vol. 14, no. 4, art. no. 44, 2025, doi: 10.3390/robotics14040044.
Conference Papers
Tsintzira, K., Smyrli, A., Mastrogeorgiou, A., and Papadopoulos, E., “Low-Cost Markerless Gait Analysis Using a Minimal Human Model,” in Proc. 2025 IEEE 25th International Conference on Bioinformatics and Bioengineering (BIBE), Athens, Greece, Nov. 6–8, 2025, pp. 558–562, doi: 10.1109/BIBE66822.2025.00099.
Moustris, G., Flessa, T., Mermigkas, P., Alamanos, I., Kardaris, N., Vatistas, A., Tzafestas, C., Maragos, P., Bonias, G., Skembris, A., Geladaris, A., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Rong, J., Bagiokos, P., Makrygiorgou, D., Panidis, S., and Melissaris, D., “An Autonomous Inspection Robot for Extra-High Voltage Substations,” in Proc. 2025 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT Europe), Valletta, Malta, Oct. 20–23, 2025, pp. 1–5, doi: 10.1109/ISGTEurope64741.2025.11305645.
Moraiti, P., Giannikos, P., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Mavridis, P., Zhou, L., and Chatzakos, P., “A Comprehensive Framework for Automated Quality Control in the Automotive Industry,” in Proc. 2025 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM), Hangzhou, China, Jul. 14–18, 2025, pp. 1–8, doi: 10.1109/AIM64088.2025.11175711.
Giannikos, P., Papakostas, L., Katralis, E., Mavridis, P., Chryssinas, G., Inglezou, M., Panagopoulos, N., Porichis, A., Mastrogeorgiou, A., and Chatzakos, P., “An Integrated System for WEEE Sorting Employing X-Ray Imaging, AI-Based Object Detection and Segmentation, and Delta Robot Manipulation,” in Proc. 2025 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM), Hangzhou, China, Jul. 14–18, 2025, pp. 1–8, doi: 10.1109/AIM64088.2025.11175846.
Papakostas, L., Geladaris, A., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Sharples, J., Hattenberger, G., Chatzakos, P., and Polygerinos, P., “Optimized Area Coverage in Disaster Response Utilizing Autonomous UAV Swarm Formations,” in Proc. 2025 33rd Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation (MED), Tangier, Morocco, Jun. 10–13, 2025, pp. 630–635, doi: 10.1109/MED64031.2025.11073337.
Stavrakakis, O., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Smyrli, A., and Papadopoulos, E., “Guidelines for Optimal Human Mesh Generation Using Deep Learning-Driven Avatar Reconstruction for Gait Analysis,” in Proc. 2024 IEEE-RAS 23rd International Conference on Humanoid Robots (Humanoids), Nancy, France, Nov. 22–24, 2024, pp. 787–794, doi: 10.1109/Humanoids58906.2024.10769832.
Zarras, I., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Machairas, K., Koutsoukis, K., and Papadopoulos, E., “Vinymap: A Vineyard Inspection and 3D Reconstruction Framework for Agricultural Robots,” in Proc. 2024 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), Abu Dhabi, UAE, Oct. 14–18, 2024, pp. 1812–1817, doi: 10.1109/IROS58592.2024.10801409. Best Agri-Robotics Paper Award Finalist
Kokas, C., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Machairas, K., Koutsoukis, K., and Papadopoulos, E., “Multicamera Visual SLAM for Vineyard Inspection,” in Proc. 2024 32nd Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation (MED), Chania, Crete, Greece, Jun. 11–14, 2024, pp. 75–80, doi: 10.1109/MED61351.2024.10566198.
Pagliarani, N., Tzafestas, C., Papadopoulos, E., Maragos, P., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Porichis, A., Grogan, H., Ehrhardt, R., and Cianchetti, M., “SoftGrip: Towards a Soft Robotic Platform for Automatized Mushroom Harvesting,” in Proc. European Robotics Forum 2024 (ERF), Springer Proceedings in Advanced Robotics, Rimini, Italy, Mar. 13–15, 2024, pp. 48–52, doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-76424-0_9.
Stavrakakis, O., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Smyrli, A., and Papadopoulos, E., “Gait Analysis with Trinocular Computer Vision Using Deep Learning,” in Proc. 2023 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing Challenges and Workshops (ICIPCW), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct. 8–11, 2023, pp. 3702–3706, doi: 10.1109/ICIPC59416.2023.10328370.
Mavridis, P., Mavrikis, N., Mastrogeorgiou, A., and Chatzakos, P., “Low-Cost, Accurate Robotic Harvesting System for Existing Mushroom Farms,” in Proc. 2023 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM), Seattle, WA, USA, Jun. 28–30, 2023, pp. 144–149, doi: 10.1109/AIM46323.2023.10196219. Best Paper Award Finalist
Geladaris, A., Papakostas, L., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Sfakiotakis, M., and Polygerinos, P., “Real-Time Local Map Generation and Collision-Free Trajectory Planning for Autonomous Vehicles in Dynamic Environments,” in Proc. 2023 International Conference on Control, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Optimization (ICCAIRO), Ierapetra, Crete, Greece, Apr. 11–13, 2023, pp. 1–6, doi: 10.1109/ICCAIRO58903.2023.00009.
Mastrogeorgiou, A., Papatheodorou, A., Koutsoukis, K., and Papadopoulos, E., “Learning Energy-Efficient Trotting for Legged Robots,” in Robotics in Natural Settings: Proc. CLAWAR 2022, Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol. 530, Ponta Delgada, Portugal, Sep. 12–14, 2022, pp. 204–215, doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-15226-9_21.
Mastrogeorgiou, A., Elbahrawy, Y., Kecskeméthy, A., and Papadopoulos, E., “Slope Handling for Quadruped Robots Using Deep Reinforcement Learning and Toe Trajectory Planning,” in Proc. 2020 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), Las Vegas, NV, USA (virtual), Oct. 24, 2020–Jan. 24, 2021, pp. 3777–3782, doi: 10.1109/IROS45743.2020.9341645.
Mastrogeorgiou, A., Elbahrawy, Y., Machairas, K., Kecskeméthy, A., and Papadopoulos, E., “Evaluating Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithms for Quadrupedal Slope Handling,” in Robots in Human Life: Proc. 23rd International Conference on Climbing and Walking Robots and the Support Technologies for Mobile Machines (CLAWAR 2020), Moscow, Russia (virtual), Aug. 24–26, 2020, pp. 345–352, doi: 10.13180/clawar.2020.24-26.08.58. Second Prize Award
Bolanakis, G., Machairas, K., Koutsoukis, K., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Loupis, M., and Papadopoulos, E., “Automating Loading and Locking of New Generation Air-Cargo Containers,” in Proc. 9th EASN International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space, Athens, Greece, Sep. 3–6, 2019, MATEC Web of Conferences, vol. 304, art. no. 04019, doi: 10.1051/matecconf/201930404019.
Abstracts, Posters & Presentations
Mastrogeorgiou, A., Papatheodorou, A., Koutsoukis, K., Machairas, K., and Papadopoulos, E., “Learning Energy Efficient Trotting for Legged Robots,” Greeks in AI 2025 Symposium, Athens, Greece, Jul. 19–20, 2025. Refereed abstract
Stavrakakis, O., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Smyrli, A., and Papadopoulos, E., “Guidelines for Optimal Mesh Generation Using Deep Learning-Driven Avatar Reconstruction for Gait Analysis,” Greeks in AI 2025 Symposium, Athens, Greece, Jul. 19–20, 2025. Refereed abstract
Mavridis, P., Mastrogeorgiou, A., and Chatzakos, P., “Mushroom Detection and Pose Estimation Using Instance Segmentation and Model Fitting,” ICRA 2022 Workshop on Agricultural Robotics and Automation, Philadelphia, PA, USA, May 27, 2022. Poster
Papatheodorou, A., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Machairas, K., Koutsoukis, K., and Papadopoulos, E., “Middleware Interconnecting ROS/ROS2 with the EtherCAT Protocol,” ROS World 2021, virtual, Oct. 20–21, 2021. Talk
Papatheodorou, A., Mastrogeorgiou, A., Machairas, K., Koutsoukis, K., and Papadopoulos, E., “EtherCAT Master for Laelaps II Quadruped,” ROS World 2020, virtual, Nov. 12, 2020. Lightning talk
Mastrogeorgiou, A., Smyrli, A., Papadopoulos, E., Kecskeméthy, A., and Gegenbauer, S., “Application of OpenPose Deep Learning Algorithm for Gait Parameter Identification,” ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Multibody Dynamics, Duisburg, Germany, Jul. 15–18, 2019. Extended abstract
Mastrogeorgiou, A., Koutsoukis, K., and Machairas, K., “Towards a Controller for Quadrupedal Locomotion on Compliant Terrains,” Dynamic Walking Conference 2018, Pensacola, FL, USA, May 21–24, 2018. Talk
Mastrogeorgiou, A. and Papadopoulos, E., “Towards an Enhanced Controller for Slope Climbing,” ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Multibody Dynamics, Barcelona, Spain, Jun. 29–Jul. 2, 2015. Abstract-refereed paper
Theses
Mastrogeorgiou, A., “Evaluation of the Webots Robot Simulation Environment During Quadruped Robot Motions, and Comparison with Alternative Software,” MSc thesis, Interdepartmental Program of Postgraduate Studies in Automation, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece, 2013. Supervisor: E. G. Papadopoulos.
Mastrogeorgiou, A., “Learning Bipedal Locomotion Using Finite State Machines,” MSc thesis, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, 2009. Supervisor: I. Havoutis.
Mastrogeorgiou, A., “Autonomous Robot Navigation Within the Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio Simulation Environment,” BSc thesis, Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece, 2008. Supervisor: D. Hristu-Varsakelis.
Invited Talks & Seminars
Papadopoulos, E., Smyrli, A., and Mastrogeorgiou, A., “Legged Robots: The Next Steps Towards Agile Mobility,” 1st HERON Summer School in Robotics and AI, Eugenides Foundation, Athens, Greece, Jun. 30, 2026. Plenary talk
Mastrogeorgiou, A., “Computer Vision for Automatized Harvesting,” IEEE ICRA 2024 Workshop on Advancing Sustainable Food Systems through Agri-Robotics Innovations, Yokohama, Japan, May 13, 2024. Invited talk
Mastrogeorgiou, A. and Smyrli, A., “Markerless Motion Analysis,” ESMAC 2023 Annual Meeting, Athens, Greece, Sep. 19, 2023. Pre-conference seminar
Media & Outreach
Κόντη, Δ., «Τα ελληνικά ρομπότ που θέλουν να κατακτήσουν το Διάστημα», Η Καθημερινή, 13 Σεπτεμβρίου 2026.
Καραϊσκάκη, Τ., «Ρομπότ με αντίληψη, το στοίχημα στο ΕΜΠ», Η Καθημερινή, σελ. 8, 22 Ιανουαρίου 2020.
Παρασκευοπούλου, Α., «Βραδιά Ερευνητή 2019», ΕΡΤ1, Δελτίο Ειδήσεων στις 9, 27 Σεπτεμβρίου 2019.
Παπαδόπουλος, Ε., Μαχαιράς, Κ., Κουτσούκης, Κ., Μαστρογεωργίου, Α., Μακροδημήτρης, Μ., Σωτηρόπουλος, Μ. και Βάλβης, Ι., «Ρομποτικά συστήματα με έμπνευση από τη φύση», Μετάδοση Ισχύος, τεύχ. 224, σελ. 34–37, Νοέμβριος–Δεκέμβριος 2018.