Dr. Christian Penaloza holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from San Diego State University, a Masters in Engineering Science and Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics from Osaka University. Currently, he is the Managing Director and Principal Investigator of Mirai Innovation Research Institute, a research institute specializing in emergent technology research projects. He is also a collaborative researcher at the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute (ATR) in Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Penaloza is also the current president of Japan chapter of the Mexican Professional Global Network – RedGlobalMX.

Dr. Penaloza has authored publications in international peer-review conferences in the area of robotics and AI. His research topics include: learning from demonstration using human-robot interaction, learning framework for cloud robotics, visual learning using web data, and skill transfer using traditional methods such as teleoperation with graphic interfaces and non-traditional methods such as Brain Machine Interface systems. Due to the development of an intelligent brain-machine interface system that decodes brain signal-based commands to control robotic systems for patients with motor paralysis conditions; in 2016, the MIT Technology Review Magazine recognized Dr. Penaloza as one of the 10 most innovators under 35 years old and awarded him the “Innovator of the Year 2016 Mexico” award – the most important world-class award for young innovators who are at the forefront of technology, giving solutions to global problems.

In Japan, Dr. Penaloza is considered a lead researcher in the area of neurotechnology and in April 2018 received the “Excellence Research Award” from the president of the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute. His latest research work is focused on enhancing the physical and cognitive capabilities of humans through the use of a third robotic arm controlled with brain-based commands, which allows persons to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. In July 2018, the result of this research project titled ‘BMI control of a third arm for multitasking” was featured by the renowned journal Science Robotics, as well as newspaper portals in more than 50 countries (10 languages).

Currently, though his company Mirai Innovation, Dr. Penaloza works in collaboration with universities and research institutions around the world to push forward the development of applications using neurotechnologies that will revolutionize diverse industries that go from healthcare and rehabilitation to entertainment and neuromarketing. Due to his professional achievements and contributions to science and technology, in August 2018 the Mexican government awarded Dr. Penaloza with the “Distinguished Mexican Citizen” award.