Dr. Sven Lilge

I'm an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where I lead the Autonomous Robotics and Continuum Systems (ARCS) Lab. Our goal is to deploy intelligent robots in places people cannot safely or easily reach. A core focus is continuum robots: flexible robots that, much like snakes or elephant trunks, can bend and twist through tight, cluttered spaces that conventional robots cannot access. We also develop autonomy for mobile robots that navigate unstructured terrain and work alongside people. Across both, we design the algorithms that make these robots robust and autonomous, from modelling and state estimation to motion planning and control. Applications include minimally invasive surgery, industrial inspection, and search and rescue in hazardous or disaster-affected environments.

Office: AOB-1257

 Mail  LinkedIn (external link)  Google Scholar (external link)

Teaching Philosophy

I'm passionate about working with curious and motivated students and sharing the excitement of robotics and computer science through hands-on learning and research involvement. My goal is to create an inclusive, collaborative, and experiential environment where students feel inspired to explore, experiment, and innovate. I view training as more than the transmission of technical knowledge. It’s about cultivating critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and communication skills, empowering students to become independent researchers and confident professionals ready for success in academia and industry.

Courses Taught

Course Code	Course Name
CPS607	Autonomous Mobile Robotics
CPS813	Human-Robot Interaction

Education

Year	Degree	University
2023	PhD in Computer Science	University of Toronto
2016	MSc in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology	Leibniz University Hannover
2014	BSc in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology	Leibniz University Hannover

Service & Recognition

Associate Editor, IEEE Transactions on Soft Robotics, since 2026
RSS Pioneer, 2023