My name is Soroosh Mortezapoor.
I am a computer scientist and an engineer. My fascination with technology ignited at an early age, propelling me to dive into the world of innovation even during my high school years. As a part-time network administrator for a couple of small and medium-sized enterprises, I gained invaluable hands-on experience, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.
During my undergraduate studies at Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran, I eagerly delved into the realm of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Participating in international robotic competitions such as Robocup 2008 China and Robocup 2009 Austria further fueled my passion, solidifying my commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.
In 2009, an unforgettable journey to Austria and Switzerland, drawn primarily by the allure of Robocup 2009 Graz changed the course of my life. Yet, amidst the excitement of the competition, I found myself captivated by the academic atmosphere of these countries. The vibrant intellectual discourse and innovative spirit permeating through their universities left an indelible impression, planting the seeds for my future academic pursuits.
Moving first to the University of Bern and later to Vienna University of Technology marked a pivotal transition in my academic journey. Embracing this new chapter, I immersed myself in the study of theoretical computer science. Within the stimulating environment of these esteemed institutions, alongside fellow scholars and researchers, I refined my proficiency in algorithms and AI including machine learning.
In 2013, I started a new adventure, joining Nativy Translations as a student developer. Rising through the ranks to become Chief Technology Officer in just a few years, I spearheaded groundbreaking projects that revolutionized the market of computer assisted human high-quality and accurate translation technology. In Nativy Translations, my role provided me with ample opportunities to develop essential communication skills. Engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders, employees, and business partners, I honed my ability to effectively convey ideas and collaborate with others. It was through these interactions that I cultivated invaluable communication expertise, a facet of my professional development that was significantly enriched during my time with the company.
Fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and in 2019, I embarked on a Ph.D. journey at TU Wien, focusing on Large-Scale Haptic Interactions in Virtual Reality. As part of the prestigious "SFB Advanced Computational Design" project, I collaborated with more than 80 leading scholars from various universities in Austria to explore the intricacies of digital architecture and computational design, paving the way for innovative advancements in the field of architectural design in early stage design phases.
Simultaneously, I discovered a passion for teaching and project supervision, guiding students through courses on Multimedia, Human-Machine Interfaces and Virtual Reality. This symbiotic relationship between academia and pedagogy enriched my own understanding while empowering the next generation of scholars and innovators.
From my modest start as a high school network administrator to my current roles as a Ph.D. candidate and university assistant, I humbly recognize the journey that has brought me here. It's a journey marked by the enduring values of passion, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. As I navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of technology, I remain steadfast in my dedication to expanding the horizons of knowledge and innovation, aspiring to contribute to a brighter future for generations to come.
Vienna University of Technology
PhD Candidate (2019 – PRESENT)Ph.D. Candidate at the Institute of Visual Computing and Human-Centered Technology
“Robotics; Large-Scale Haptic Interactions in Virtual Reality, Based on a Mobile Robotic Platform” under the supervision of Univ.Prof. Mag.rer.nat. Dr.techn. Hannes Kaufmann.
Vienna University of Technology
Master of Science (2013 – 2016)Master of Science in Computational Intelligence (Logic and Computation), with a focus on Artificial Intelligence.
Master thesis: “Optimizations and Improvements of Robotic Grasping using Topographic Features by Machine Learning Approaches” under the supervision of Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Markus Vincze.
University of Bern
One Semester (2012 – 2012)As a Master of Science student in Computer Science, in a joint program of University of Bern, University of Neuchâtel, and University of Fribourg.
Iran University of Science and Technology
Bachelor of Engineering (2006 – 2011)Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering
TU Wien
University Assistant (2022 – Current)
I do interdisciplinary research on the applications of robots in VR, AR, and MR. This involves designing and constructing robotic systems, enhancing stationary and mobile robotic platforms, and programming these systems at various levels. At VR & AR group of TU Wien, I teach courses about Multimedia in Game Engines, Multimodal Interfaces, ROS (Robot Operating System 1 and 2), and Virtual Reality, and also provide student supervision.
TU Wien
FWF Project Assistant - Ph.D. Candidate (2021 – 2022)
Working as a Ph.D. researcher on the SFB project "Robotics; Large-Scale Haptic Interactions in Virtual Reality, Based on a Mobile Robotic Platform". The project “SFB Advanced Computational Design” brings a large number of scientists together from various research groups from Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), and the University of Innsbruck. The main questions it is trying to answer are how to advance design tools and processes through multi- and interdisciplinary basic research in digital architecture, integrated building design, computer graphics and virtual reality, discrete and applied geometry, and computational mechanics. Within this project, my primary focus involves working on the a mobile ROS-based robotic platform, along with advanced sensors and devices used in Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality.
TU Wien
Researcher (2019 – 2021)
Working as a Ph.D. researcher on the application of the robots in the field of Virtual Reality and Haptics. I worked on employing Stäubli collaborative robotics arm to provide haptic feedback in Encountered-Type Haptic Devices (ETHDs) in Virtual Reality.
Nativy Translations
Chief Technology Officer (2016 – 2019)
Nativy offers instant quotes on price & delivery for over 500 language pairs, powered by 2800 professional translators worldwide. We’ve also made it incredibly simple for SaaS providers to integrate our service. It takes 5 lines of code and you earn commission on each order. 51,000 hotels already use our service from within their SaaS provider.
Nativy Translations
Lead Developer (2015 – 2016)
Development of new features including an extremely easy-to-use plugin for SaaS providers to integrate the translation service of Nativy into their software, to be used by their clients, and many more features for our clients to facilitate their interaction with the system.
Nativy Translations
Senior Full-Stack Developer (2013 – 2015)
Redesigning and re-implementing the old system. Employing many state-of-the-art technologies and engineering methods and models to build a solid system that can handle and push the business of the company.
Sazeh Aliazh Alborz
.NET Developer / Researcher (2010-2012)
Design and development of an automation software for production planing, resource allocation and production monitoring.
Hamfekran IT Corporation
Intern / .NET Developer (2009-2010)
Development of a Commute Control System in the form of a SaaS
Alborz Pooladin 2000 Ltd.
IT Specialist / Network Administrator (2004-2007)
Installing and maintaining network infrastructure. Implementing and/or installing new technologies and softwares.Training and Certificate
- Introduction to Didactics 2022, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Robotic Workshop, Klagenfurt, Austria
- IEEE-RAS SSRR Summer School 2012, Alanya, Turkey
- ROS RoboCup Rescue Summerschool 2012, Graz, Austria
- Data Mining and its application in industry and technology
- Application of Data Mining in CRM and Quality Management
- Introduction to Data Mining – TÜV
- Research Assistant, Intelligent Automation Laboratory, IUST
- Referee, TC Member, Khawrazmi Robotic Competitions
Skills
Job-related skills
- Team building
- Team leadership
- Critical and creative thinking
- Agile methodologies, especially SCRUM
- Problem-solving
- DevOps
Software related
- .NET
- Design patterns
- RDB/No-Sql
- Cloud-based solutions and services
- Information retrieval systems (Search Engines)
- Automated testing frameworks
- ...
Robotics related
- Linux
- C++
- Python
- ROS (Robot Operating System)
- Robot Simulation (Unity, Gazebo)
- Robot control stacks (Control, Localization, Navigation, Exploration)
- Microcontroller programming
- VAL3 - Stäubli robots
- Qualisys tracking system
VR Related
- Unity
- VR in Unity - OpenXR
- Experience with VR Headsets (VIVE, Quest, Rift)