Luca Ulrich

Fixed-term tenure-track assistant professor
Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP)

Profile

Research interests

Artificial intelligence
Augmented reality
Computer aided design
Deep learning
Extended reality
Human-computer interaction
Product lifecycle management
Sustainable healthcare
Virtual prototyping
Virtual reality

Biography

I obtained a Master's Degree in Computer Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin in 2016 and a PhD in Management, Production, and Design in 2021. During my PhD, I focused on developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision methodologies for facial expression recognition, with the aim of improving human-machine interaction and making interfaces natural and adaptive. After obtaining my PhD, I broadened my research interests by applying AI-based solutions to different application domains, including industrial automation, healthcare, cultural heritage enhancement, sports, and wellness. This multidisciplinary approach has allowed me to explore the potential of AI not only as a tool for analysis and decision support, but also as an enabling technology for immersive, interactive, and user-centered systems. At the same time, I have deepened my study of advanced visualization devices, in particular Extended Reality (XR) technologies, which include Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). My interest focuses on the synergy between AI and XR, where intelligent systems are able to interpret complex real-world contexts and adapt the immersive experience to increase user engagement, training effectiveness, and applicability in the areas listed above.

Scientific branch

IIND-03/B - Design Methods for Industrial Engineering
(Area 0009 - Industrial and information engineering)

Skills

ERC sectors

PE6_7 - Artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, natural language processing
PE6_8 - Computer graphics, computer vision, multimedia, computer games
PE6_9 - Human computer interaction and interface, visualisation
PE7_9 - Man-machine interfaces
PE8_10 - Manufacturing engineering and industrial design

SDG

Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Goal 4: Quality education
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Fellowships

  • Fellow - Associazione Disegno e Metodi dell'ingegneria industriale, Italia (2018-)
    Socio

Editorial boards

  • IJIDEM (2023-), Editorial board member

Teaching

Collegi of the degree programmes

Teachings

PhD

Master of Science

MostraNascondi A.A. passati

Bachelor of Science

MostraNascondi A.A. passati

Research

Research projects

Projects funded by competitive calls

  • SMAIL-AI, (2025-2027) - Responsabile Scientifico
    Regionally funded research

Supervised PhD students

  • Antonio Lo Faro. Programme in Ingegneria Gestionale E Della Produzione (40th cycle, 2024-in progress)
    Research subject: The research aims to design adaptive, explainable human–AI interfaces for improved interaction between humans and machines in critical contexts such as smart manufacturing and healthcare.
    Digital twin methods and tools
    Human-robot interaction and inclusive manufacturing
    Process and system simulations, digital manufacturing
    Product design and development
    Digital twin methods and tools
    Human-robot interaction and inclusive manufacturing
    Process and system simulations, digital manufacturing
    Product design and development
  • Rossella Ruggieri. Programme in Ingegneria Gestionale E Della Produzione (40th cycle, 2024-in progress)
    Research subject: The research explores the use of artificial intelligence for the analysis of human activities in complex environments, focusing on ergonomics and safety, according to the principles of Industry 5.0.
    Digital twin methods and tools
    Human-robot interaction and inclusive manufacturing
    Process and system simulations, digital manufacturing
    Product design and development
    Digital twin methods and tools
    Human-robot interaction and inclusive manufacturing
    Process and system simulations, digital manufacturing
    Product design and development
  • Chiara Innocente. Programme in Gestione, Produzione E Design (38th cycle, 2022-in progress)
  • Federico Salerno. Programme in Gestione, Produzione E Design (38th cycle, 2022-in progress)
  • Giorgia Marullo. Programme in Gestione, Produzione E Design (37th cycle, 2021-2025)
    Thesis: Behavior Analysis for Deep Learning-based Human-Centred Solutions
  • Francesca Nonis. Programme in Gestione, Produzione E Design (35th cycle, 2019-2023)
    Thesis: Facial Expression and Emotion Recognition using Deep Learning - 3D FER to support Human-Computer Interaction
More PhD studentsLess PhD students

Publications

Latest publications View all publications in Porto@Iris

Society and Enterprise

Patents and other intellectual properties