"In this #ISSNAFStory, Barbara Rosario interviews Professor Francesco Borrelli of UC Berkeley, recipient of the 2025 ISSNAF Innovator  TEF Award for STEM Entrepreneurs in Robotics, a leading expert in predictive control and autonomous systems, and Chief AI and Robotics Officer at Nextracker, who reflects on his career at the intersection of mechanical engineering and computer science.

Borrelli’s research focuses on designing intelligent control systems that enable machines—from self-driving cars to robotic platforms—to act predictively rather than reactively. His work advances model predictive control, a framework that uses forecasts to optimize decisions, with applications spanning healthcare, energy efficiency, robotics, and finance. He also highlights how large language models are reshaping the field, enabling more intuitive human–machine interactions, accelerating controller design, and opening new debates about data-driven versus physics-based modeling.

A key theme in his career is translating theory into real-world impact. From reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings by up to 30%, to optimizing electric vehicle fleets, to automating solar power operations, Borrelli has consistently applied predictive control to large-scale industrial challenges. His collaborations with industry leaders and startups illustrate how advanced control systems can drive both sustainability and technological innovation.

Beyond his scientific work, Borrelli reflects on his Italian roots, his connections with industry and academia in Italy, and the importance of initiatives like ISSNAF in strengthening global scientific communities. His advice to young researchers is simple yet powerful: follow your passion, pursue learning wherever it leads, and remain open to unexpected paths."