Pavel Petráček conducts his research within the Multi-robot Systems (MRS) group at the Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, under the supervision of Associate Professor Martin Saska. In his dissertation entitled Robust Localization of UAVs in Perception-Degraded Environments, he developed new algorithms enabling unmanned drones to fly safely and autonomously without access to GNSS in building interiors that are difficult to navigate, such as in dense dust, complete darkness, or geometrically indistinct environments (e.g., long tunnels). These technologies have a wide range of applications, from industrial inspections and mapping of hard-to-reach areas to search and rescue missions.
"The aim of the research is to facilitate the deployment of autonomous robots in environments that are dangerous to humans. I am delighted that our system has been able to establish itself in international competition. For example, it proved so effective in documenting 18 historical monuments, including UNESCO sites, that it became part of the official methodology of the Czech Ministry of Culture," said Pavel Petráček.
The winner received a cash prize of CZK 65,000 and a monthly scholarship for a research internship at the Eviden laboratory in France. The award ceremony took place on June 26, 2025, at the French Embassy in Prague, attended by Ambassador Stéphane Crouzat, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry Jean-Marie Lehn, and the current Head of Atos Czech Republic and Director of the Czech branch of Eviden, Aleksandar Pantelić.
This is not Pavel Petráček's first success this year. In March 2025, he also won the Werner von Siemens Awards, where he took first place in the Best Dissertation category for his research. The repeated recognition of his work confirms the importance and potential of technologies that help move autonomous robotics towards practical application in the real world.
"The Joseph Fourier Award for my long-term research is a great honor and motivation for further scientific and research work. Thanks to this award, I feel a responsibility to transfer the results of basic research into civil and industrial practice, where the technologies developed can help perform demanding, repetitive, and dangerous tasks across many industries," added the award-winning scientist, who thanked his colleagues from the MRS group for his success.
About the Joseph Fourier Prize
The Joseph Fourier Prize has been supporting young scientists in the field of computer science for fifteen years. The competition recognizes outstanding doctoral research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, bioinformatics, and robotics. In addition to financial support, winners are offered research internships at leading institutions in France. The competition is named after French mathematician Joseph Fourier, whose work had a fundamental influence on the mathematical modeling of physical phenomena.
