Josh Farina

Research Associate

Josh started his journey in the IHMC Robotics lab with an internship working on the Nadia humanoid project in May 2020. A year later, in May 2021, he transitioned to a full-time role as a mechanical design engineer, working under Dr. Robert Griffin and Dr. Jerry Pratt.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in May 2021 from the University of West Florida studying mechanical and electrical engineering. At UWF, he focused on materials research, robotics, and mechanical design inspiring the founding of UWF’s Robotics Club with a group of fellow students and a passion for building robots. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a focus on dynamic systems and controls.

Josh’s primary research interests include the development and engineering of humanoid robots including composite materials implementation, low-backlash mechanism design, hydraulic actuator design, as well as actuator dynamics and control. His current focus is on leading the mechanical development of Nadia’s newest platform for the robot lab.

When not in the lab, Josh likes cooking, restoring mechanical watches, hand engraving, and autocross racing.