Esranur Erturk is a doctoral student in the Department of Computer Science at the Faculty of Engineering, LTH at Lund University. She received her Master's in AI Robotics from the University of Science and Technology (UST) / Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), in Korea in 2023. She began her Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus on developing a robotic system for precise object handover to humans, ensuring accurate placement without re-gripping.

The goal of her Ph.D. project is to create a robotic system that can accurately hand over objects to humans without re-gripping. The project addresses three main challenges: effective scene understanding, recognizing user intentions, and executing collaborative tasks. Initially focusing on tools like scalpels and screwdrivers, the robot uses hand and tool tracking to ensure precise handovers. By integrating high-level knowledge and sensor information, the system predicts and executes the appropriate handover actions.

The project also involves evaluating different motion models to enhance the robot's performance, ensuring smooth and precise movements in various scenarios. This work aims to improve intuitive robot instruction and responsive collaboration in medical and industrial contexts, contributing to more efficient workflows. The project is funded by WASP: Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program at Lund University.