Biography

My name is Amena Ireland, a robotic researcher and designer fascinated with decentralised systems. From bio-inspired swarms to cultural agents, I build systems that listen and respond to our environment.

My research explores the intersections of Swarm Intelligence, Biotechnology and Human-Swarm/ Robot Interaction (HSI, HRI). Inspired by cutting edge research on the symbiosis of electronics, biology and collective behaviour, I focus on engineering soft, adaptive and distributed systems; ranging from schools of soft-bodied fish to EEG-controlled swarms. My goal is to design and create technology that integrates seamlessly with the natural and human world.

With a background as a Research Associate at the Bristol Swarm Engineering Lab, I translate principles of collective intelligence into functional hardware. My work, including waterproof biomimetic fish agents and privacy-preserving storytelling robots, has been recognised by the British Computer Society (Ada Lovelace Colloquium) and is published as an academic paper in The Language of Creative AI, Springer 2025.

Currently, I am pivoting towards Bio-Integrated Design, applying my experience in distributed networks, translation of biological principles, neural interfaces and bio-hybrid robotics to create systems that are regenerative and alive.