We welcome short speeches/comments/memory sharing from those who would like to do so.
Noemia and the Elfes family have also asked that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to their local church which has supported their family during these past years: https://bellbowrie.church/giving/
We created this memorial to celebrate the life of Alberto Elfes. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Alberto Elfes was a loving husband to Noemia, an adored father to Cristiane and Albert, and an affectionate grandfather to Gabriel.
In his professional life, Alberto was the Chief Research Scientist of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Group at CSIRO's Data61 in Brisbane, Australia.
Alberto has been a huge influence and a powerful force in the robotics community worldwide. He joined CSIRO in 2011 as the Robotics Science Leader for... see more
Alberto Elfes was a loving husband to Noemia, an adored father to Cristiane and Albert, and an affectionate grandfather to Gabriel.
In his professional life, Alberto was the Chief Research Scientist of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Group at CSIRO's Data61 in Brisbane, Australia.
Alberto has been a huge influence and a powerful force in the robotics community worldwide. He joined CSIRO in 2011 as the Robotics Science Leader for the Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL) after 10 years with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Principal Research Scientist.
He had an impeccable field robotics heritage having completed his PhD at Carnegie Mellon University where he developed the Occupancy Grid framework for robot perception and navigation.
He worked at CMU's Robotics Institute, the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and became the Director of the Brazilian Automation Institute.
He also held scientific positions in Germany and in his home country of Brazil.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Mercator Professorship Award of the German Research Foundation and holds an honorary Professorship at The University of Queensland.
Alberto has more than 180 publications in international journals, conference and books and gave over 350 invited and keynote talks during his career.
He was a careful, strategic thinker who was passionate about robotics, had the vision to see where Australian robotics could take its place on the world stage and he was unfailingly positive about all things.
The many people who were lucky enough to cross paths with him will certainly remember him as an extremely kind person, a supportive mentor and leader who leaves a huge gap in many hearts. He was taken from us too soon.
Below is a message he had recently shared with his colleagues via email, upon his retirement:
"[...] This is also an opportunity for me to reflect on my own life and future. In this context, I am reminded of the New Testament text that says:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Conheci Alberto em um congresso no Brasil, em Búzios, em 2013. Alberto foi um dos convidados especiais dos organizadores do evento. Acabo de encontrar seu cartão de visitas dentre uma de minhas caixas de livros e prontamento fui pesquisar a respeito... moreConheci Alberto em um congresso no Brasil, em Búzios, em 2013. Alberto foi um dos convidados especiais dos organizadores do evento. Acabo de encontrar seu cartão de visitas dentre uma de minhas caixas de livros e prontamento fui pesquisar a respeito dele. Fiquei surpreso com o seu falecimento, mas através de algumas mensagens percebi que o seu caráter marcou a vida de muitas pessoas além de mim. Uma expressão muito precisa no seu obituário é "The many people who were lucky enough to cross paths with him will certainly remember him as an extremely kind person".
Felizmente eu fui uma dessas pessoas. Alberto foi extremamente gentil comigo, naquela oportunidade um jovem recém-doutor. Deu conselhos de forma bastante simples e se dispôs a me ajudar em iniciativas de cooperação, como de fato fez quando enviei um aluno para o CSIRO.
Que Deus o tenha. Alberto é um exemplo para mim. less
I met Alberto right at the beginnig of my Phd, almost 20 years ago when I visited JPL. Without knowing me, he took time to explain me lots of projects they were working on, and asked me lots of questions about my research and ideas. I met him again like... moreI met Alberto right at the beginnig of my Phd, almost 20 years ago when I visited JPL. Without knowing me, he took time to explain me lots of projects they were working on, and asked me lots of questions about my research and ideas. I met him again like 10 years later at one ICRA, he came to me and told me "hello Juan, it's been a long time", I was surprised he remembered me from a single time many years ago. We then started chatting, it was as if we had been long time friends, such as amazing person, coach and mentor. I was lucky to meet him again few years later in another conference, we were presenting at the same workshop and I had the honor to do his introduction. I will miss him, one of the kindest and warmest persons I have ever met, my best regards to his family, thanks Alberto for sharing your wisdom with us, and rest in peace! less
Keith and I remember Alberto as a wonderful Bible teacher in the late 1980s at the Pittsburgh Chinese Church. He and Joe Chow led the college group at the church, and even older adults who were not of college age came to the class; that's how good the... moreKeith and I remember Alberto as a wonderful Bible teacher in the late 1980s at the Pittsburgh Chinese Church. He and Joe Chow led the college group at the church, and even older adults who were not of college age came to the class; that's how good the teaching was. We look forward to seeing Alberto in heaven. less
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family, close relatives and friends of Alberto.
Before moving to Germany in 2017, I had the honor to work closely with Alberto in his role at CSIRO. It is really hard to put it in words, there are... moreI would like to express my sincere condolences to the family, close relatives and friends of Alberto.
Before moving to Germany in 2017, I had the honor to work closely with Alberto in his role at CSIRO. It is really hard to put it in words, there are just too many good memories to share. Especially his humor, compassion, integrity and high ethics are an everyday inspiration to all of us.
The world has lost one of its great citizens. less
The short but intense time period of which I had the pleasure and privilege of sharing with Alberto was great. Alberto was not only great mentor during my stay in CSIRO-Australia, but he was also a great friend. Thus, I need to thank you Alberto. I need... moreThe short but intense time period of which I had the pleasure and privilege of sharing with Alberto was great. Alberto was not only great mentor during my stay in CSIRO-Australia, but he was also a great friend. Thus, I need to thank you Alberto. I need to thank you every smile and shared joke. I also need to thank all support and mentoring in research. Thanks for several after-work activities that we talk about our lives and the future. I am honored to have shared the time-space with Alberto. Thank you a lot and rest in peace my friend!
Well, as we always talk in Portuguese. I also think it is important to send you the message in our dear language.
Bem, como sempre conversamos em português. Acho importante também mandar a mensagem na nossa querida língua.
O período curto, mas intenso, do qual tive o prazer e o privilégio de compartilhar com Alberto foi ótimo. Alberto não foi apenas um grande mentor durante meu periodo no CSIRO-Austrália, mas também foi um grande amigo. Então, eu preciso te agradecer Alberto. Preciso agradecer-lhe cada sorriso e piada compartilhada (hahaha). Também preciso agradecer a todo apoio e orientação em pesquisa. Obrigado por vários "happy hour" que falamos sobre nossas vidas e o futuro (nosso e do Brasil). Sinto-me honrado por ter compartilhado o espaço/tempo com Alberto. Muito obrigado e descanse em paz meu amigo! less
Alberto Elfes was an inspiration to me. His research opened my eyes to approximate my PhD research to planetary exploration using airships. He was a leader that also inspired many others of the Lighter-Than-Air community. On behalf of the LTA Technical... moreAlberto Elfes was an inspiration to me. His research opened my eyes to approximate my PhD research to planetary exploration using airships. He was a leader that also inspired many others of the Lighter-Than-Air community. On behalf of the LTA Technical Committee from AIAA, I would like convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. less
Homenagem do Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentavel Mamiraua: Pesquisador era parceiro do Instituto Mamirauá e participou da missão precursora do Projeto Providence, em 2016
Very sad today to learn of the death of Alberto Elfes, who passed away yesterday after a long struggle with cancer. Alberto was the Chief Research Scientist... 15 comments on LinkedIn
Grupo de Robótica da SBC (Sociedade Brasileira de Computação) Comissão Especial de Robótica CE-R (Special Interest Group Robotics) http://sbc.org.br/14-comissoes/398-robotica Grupo para divulgação,...
O Centro de Robótica da USP lamenta o falecimento do pesquisador Alberto Elfes, ocorrido no dia 04 de julho de 2020.
Nosso colega deixa um legado para a robótica no Brasil.
Alberto Elfes morreu no último dia 04, em Brisbane, Austrália.
Elfes foi uma das mais brilhantes cabeças brasileiras na área de tecnologia.
Teve atuação destacada na área acadêmica e à frente de laboratórios como o CTI-Campinas, o Jet... moreAlberto Elfes morreu no último dia 04, em Brisbane, Austrália.
Elfes foi uma das mais brilhantes cabeças brasileiras na área de tecnologia.
Teve atuação destacada na área acadêmica e à frente de laboratórios como o CTI-Campinas, o Jet Propulsion Lab da NASA e o Grupo de Pesquisa em Robótica e Sistemas Autonomos-RASG em Brisbane. Também teve destacada atuação na área ambiental, em especial no estudo e preservação da biodiversidade da Amazônia.
Elfes era espeitado e admirado por toda a comunidade e querido por um grande círculo de amigos.
Luto e tristeza. O Brasil ficou mais pobre.
- Paulo Roberto Miranda https://www.facebook.com/prmmiranda/posts/10158784042630854less
I praise Jesus, the Lord, for Alberto’s life. I met him in 1974 at the university, in a Bible study group. At that time he became responsible for my discipleship and walked with me in my first steps in Christ. I am thankful to have learned with him... moreI praise Jesus, the Lord, for Alberto’s life. I met him in 1974 at the university, in a Bible study group. At that time he became responsible for my discipleship and walked with me in my first steps in Christ. I am thankful to have learned with him about repentance, devotion, meditation in the Word of God, prayer and worship that guided my life since then. May the Wonderful Counselor be with his family. Bob Lopes. less
It was 30 years ago, when we met the first time. I, a young robotics scientist from Germany, you, a giant in robotics research already. Already in our first meeting I realised that you are special, not only as a scientist but as a person.
It took me... moreIt was 30 years ago, when we met the first time. I, a young robotics scientist from Germany, you, a giant in robotics research already. Already in our first meeting I realised that you are special, not only as a scientist but as a person.
It took me many years to realise, why you are so special. You gave everybody, not just me, the deep feeling that they are special. Isn’t that the message that God has for us: you are special. Whatever strings there were between us, you kept them vibrating over those year. I thank you for 30 years of friendship, mentorship, for the numerous
talks that we had in these years about life, universe, and everything … and for the feeling that I am special. I will miss these talks and I will miss you … and I look forward to meeting you again. Take care, wherever you are now. You were special. Thank you Alberto! less
Though I only knew Alberto for a few short years (for him in his 60’s, for me in my late 50’s) we struck up what was for me a really significant friendship way out of proportion to its length. Alberto has had a deeply affirming impact on my life,... moreThough I only knew Alberto for a few short years (for him in his 60’s, for me in my late 50’s) we struck up what was for me a really significant friendship way out of proportion to its length. Alberto has had a deeply affirming impact on my life, rather surprisingly given the brevity of our time together. I suspect this has been the case for many people who have been privileged to know him, whether for short periods or long. He had a gift for welcoming ‘the other’ that went beyond the bounds of politeness or social convention. He appeared sincerely interested in people’s lives right from the start. Their hopes, their dreams, their passions and convictions. He found people interesting, which drew others to him.
Under God’s gracious providence, the friendship with Alberto (and Noemia) came just at the right time for us. In the last few years before we left Australia (in May 2015) for missionary service in Papua New Guinea, it was Alberto and Noemia who were some of our strongest advocates and encouragers. We enjoyed several memorable evenings with them, sharing the delights of good food and wine, refreshing and always stimulating conversation, and a common love of literature and classical music. I have particularly enjoyed his endorsement of the Cadfael chronicles by Ellis Peters and The Little World of Don Camillo by Giovanni Guareschi, two literary treasures I would probably never have come across but for him. Alberto was one of the most cultured men I have ever known. The range of his reading and knowledge was astonishing. He could move easily and seamlessly from popular culture or political events all over the world, to theology, New Testament Greek and church history. The range of his interests was as fascinating as the subjects themselves. Insatiable curiosity was a large part of his personal DNA.
Humility and vulnerability. These last two words I think need to be the last words on Alberto Elfes. A deeply committed christian really can’t be otherwise. Alberto’s professional accolades were hidden from me until I read about them recently in his obituary. Certainly he was far from headlining them in his friendships. Alberto was a man thoroughly familiar with his own struggles, stress points and inadequacies. Yet he soldiered on in service of his Lord, those he was called to serve in his professional capacity, and of course his family. He was a Christian brother of gravitas, dignity and style. A gentle, German-Brazilian giant. Life is so full of brief encounters. Alberto Elfes has been one of my most memorable. For which I thank God in heaven.
I got to know Alberto in the last year through church activities. It was an absolute privilege to learn about his passion for God and for science when he spoke at our church earlier this year. My prayers go out to his family.
I met Alberto in the late 1980s at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. Between 1987-1990, I attended a church where Alberto taught Sunday School. As an undergraduate in his spiritual formative years, I benefited from his teaching - always faithful,... moreI met Alberto in the late 1980s at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. Between 1987-1990, I attended a church where Alberto taught Sunday School. As an undergraduate in his spiritual formative years, I benefited from his teaching - always faithful, rigorously thought out. One day he asked a question related to social justice: "If a country needs to cut down its forest and sell it cheaply, and probably not at a value that commensurate the damage, then would you who purchase the resultant product (say paper) be guilty of exploiting that country?" It is funny that of all the things he taught, this one question etched a memory. Simple, insightful and penetrating. Instantly lifting a soul, who knew only his immediate technical pursuit, above his confines to see a much bigger world.
February 1990, before leaving US at the conclusion of my studies, Alberto and Noemia invited me for dinner. It was one of the most "parental" conversations which I had. And only a week or so later, I ran into Alberto at the busiest part of campus right on Forbes Avenue. We knew it was the last time before my departure. Right there, Alberto - a towering figure of course - asked if he can place his hand to pray for me.
Then we did not see each other for almost a quarter century. I moved around over three continents. Alberto and family did the same or probably more. I guess the world is big. But in June, 2014, we had another chance. He and Noemia had a conference to attend in Hong Kong. It was my chance to take him to dinner, and to be host. It was not just all food and culture amidst the Dragon Boat festival. I had a great joy bringing the couple to church and, having served in church in teaching roles for quite a while, had a great pride announcing to the congregation and pastor that “my Sunday School teacher is here”.
I was then a father of 3 children. The oldest, Simeon, turned 10, and what boys in this STEM education world do not have at least some passing interest in Robotics. Knowing why Alberto was in town, Simeon asked about Robotics. Alberto of course did his finest explaining the subject matter to him, culmulating in watching videos of some research demonstration available via the Internet on his iPad. I did’t think the boy fully appreciated how rare the opportunity he just had. But I was pretty sure it was one that a large population in all of Alberto’s conference attendees would envy to have. Simeon is a basketball fan. What if I tell him that one of the coaches who dropped in for a private coaching session when he was younger was Lebron James. One day, if Simeon ever head towards the Robotics direction, he would be very proud of who planted a seed in him.
Words cannot fully express what my heart felt. But if snippets of memory about Alberto could be recalled so readily, he must have made his impact. I am grateful to have met Alberto, even if it is only for a few short memorable moments. I am equally grateful that there will be a time when my memory of the man will be united with him again.
Till we meet again.
Henry, Anna, Simeon, Joseph and Elizabeth. less
I worked with Alberto for many years at JPL and have many fond memories of early morning blimp field tests and numerous discussions about robotics and space exploration. I was sad to see him leave JPL but was happy that he was able to find such a good... moreI worked with Alberto for many years at JPL and have many fond memories of early morning blimp field tests and numerous discussions about robotics and space exploration. I was sad to see him leave JPL but was happy that he was able to find such a good place in Australia to continue his work. The attached photo of the two of us is from 2009 just after we had a fun flight on a Zeppelin NT airship that was operating out of Long Beach, California. That was a fun day! He will be missed. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. less
I am Albertos’ cousin and I was like him born and grew up in Brazil. He has been to me like my dearest brother and a great idol with all his diverse talents. I thank him for his sincere love and loyalty to me and he inspired me especially through his... moreI am Albertos’ cousin and I was like him born and grew up in Brazil. He has been to me like my dearest brother and a great idol with all his diverse talents. I thank him for his sincere love and loyalty to me and he inspired me especially through his love for our Savior Jesus whom he faithfully followed.
In him the hope for eternal life was real. Only those who follow Jesus unconditionally will be able to spend eternity with Him.
Finally we talked about Romans 8, 38+39 and he was looking forward to the indescribable Glory that he would soon see and in wich we would embrace each other again what now was impossible to do in the time of the pandemia .
I miss him infinitely and he left a huge gap in my heart.
And so my and Eleanor’s thoughts and wishes are directed above all to Noemia, Cristiane with Daniel, Albert, and Alberto’s brother Henrique, that our Lord gives strength and consoles their hearts
in this sad time with the consolation that only our Lord Jesus can give. less
Through all the years of which I had the privilege of working under Alberto, not only was Alberto a great mentor at work but both he and Noemia had taken our whole family in and treat us as family members. Alberto and Noemia were always there with kind... moreThrough all the years of which I had the privilege of working under Alberto, not only was Alberto a great mentor at work but both he and Noemia had taken our whole family in and treat us as family members. Alberto and Noemia were always there with kind words of support during our bereaving period for the lost of my father in-law. Alberto has enriched our lives with his warmth and tenderness, im honoured and blessed to have known Alberto. He was truly a blessing in our life and we will miss him dearly. less
It was my pleasure and privilege to know and work with him in grad school at CMU. He was a very warm-hearted guy with a well-balanced philosophy of life, and together with Hans Moravec he made seminal contribution to robotics while we were there. He's... moreIt was my pleasure and privilege to know and work with him in grad school at CMU. He was a very warm-hearted guy with a well-balanced philosophy of life, and together with Hans Moravec he made seminal contribution to robotics while we were there. He's gone too young; my condolences to his family. less
Noemia may miss his kindly smile
His family may have lost a loving father and grandfather
The world may have lost a rich deep thinker
I may have lost a wonderful friend
But surely Christ has found a devoted servant
And we are all richer for having known Alberto.
Alberto joined CSIRO after I left. I knew him by reputation and I'm sorry that I didn't know him better personally. In our few short meetings I was struck by his quiet humour, his smile, the twinkle in his eye and his intellect.
Alberto was and inspiration and mentor, able to inspire ideas bordering on imposible and justify them with stimulating questions, vision, and rationale. Albertos passion and support was second to none. The work we undertook together will stick with me... moreAlberto was and inspiration and mentor, able to inspire ideas bordering on imposible and justify them with stimulating questions, vision, and rationale. Albertos passion and support was second to none. The work we undertook together will stick with me for a lifetime. May he rest in peace. less
This photo was taken in 1979 during our graduation event, class T79 of computing at ITA, where the dear master Alberto Elfes was one of our dearest teachers. Even then, he showed himself as a focused, good-hearted, very human Christian who respected... moreThis photo was taken in 1979 during our graduation event, class T79 of computing at ITA, where the dear master Alberto Elfes was one of our dearest teachers. Even then, he showed himself as a focused, good-hearted, very human Christian who respected everyone. May he rest in peace. less
Alberto Elfes, a dear friend of the international community in Brisbane, Australia.
Together with his wife Noemia, they have blessed us with a home to visit during festivities, and also whenever we needed to be with 'family'. Over a meal we would share... moreAlberto Elfes, a dear friend of the international community in Brisbane, Australia.
Together with his wife Noemia, they have blessed us with a home to visit during festivities, and also whenever we needed to be with 'family'. Over a meal we would share life, encourage and also pray for each another.
One of the stories that Alberto commonly shares is the story of a certain couple by the name of John and Amy. He would go on to describe how the lives of this couple has influenced his walk with the Lord. We then understood why he sometimes asks "What would John and Amy do?".
Alberto, thank you for modelling Christ to us in how you lived your life. You have cared for the 'foreigner', uplifted the 'downtrodden' and spoken for the 'voiceless'.
Indeed, nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Looking forward to when we may enjoy fellowship once again over a pot of Feijoada served with a cup of orange juice mixed with sparkling water. less
Alberto Elfes was a man of immense personal and professional integrity. He was always willing to listen, and has been a valued and trusted confidant for nearly a decade. I will miss our lively chats with the whiteboard in his office - arguing over the... moreAlberto Elfes was a man of immense personal and professional integrity. He was always willing to listen, and has been a valued and trusted confidant for nearly a decade. I will miss our lively chats with the whiteboard in his office - arguing over the merits of science traceability matrix versus product roadmaps. Always a joy. May he rest in peace. less
Alberto was one of the warmest and most generous human beings I have ever known. His smile seemed to take over his whole body and radiate a comforting glow. Alberto somehow made you feel at ease and able to say almost anything without fear of judgement.... moreAlberto was one of the warmest and most generous human beings I have ever known. His smile seemed to take over his whole body and radiate a comforting glow. Alberto somehow made you feel at ease and able to say almost anything without fear of judgement. He mentored me as I transitioned into his former role as Group Leader for Robotics in CSIRO, and his advice impacted me deeply; it was always from the heart and from a place of vast experience and keen insight. I am so sad that we will never speak again, may he rest in peace. My deepest sympathies and condolences to Noemia and his family. He will be remembered. less
I met Alberto when he and Noemia arrived at our Brisbane church several years ago. Reflecting many of the sentiments by his professional colleagues below, those of us who met him at church were equally touched by his friendliness, humility, joy and most... moreI met Alberto when he and Noemia arrived at our Brisbane church several years ago. Reflecting many of the sentiments by his professional colleagues below, those of us who met him at church were equally touched by his friendliness, humility, joy and most of all his and Noemia's faith and love for the Lord Jesus, and lives grounded in God's Word, the Bible. We know that he has gone to be with his Saviour enjoying the presence of God for all eternity. Those of us who share his faith look forward to seeing him again in heaven. Our prayers with his family. less
Noemia, Alberto, Cristiane and Albert were my family in Pittsburgh during my PhD studies between 1983 and 1987 at CMU. Here, I reproduce a paragraph in the acknowledgments section of my PhD thesis: "Special thanks to Alberto Elfes, my dear friend... moreNoemia, Alberto, Cristiane and Albert were my family in Pittsburgh during my PhD studies between 1983 and 1987 at CMU. Here, I reproduce a paragraph in the acknowledgments section of my PhD thesis: "Special thanks to Alberto Elfes, my dear friend and surely, the person that expended the most time with me discussing technical and non-technical matters. I learned a lot from him during my near four years at CMU". It was 33 years ago. Alberto introduced the main concepts of AI to several graduate students of the ECE Department at that time, including myself. I can't find the proper words to describe how influential Alberto was in the fields of mobile and aerial robotics. He authored one of the seminal papers on Probabilistic Robotics when he introduced the occupancy grid framework. In the mid nineties Alberto held a position of Director at CTI, a federal research institute in Brazil where my wife Eliane was then a computer scientist. She remembers his enthusiasm, friendship and leadership during the time he headed the institute. What a miss for all of us that had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, kindness and knowledge. May God comfort the family members. less
Alberto was one of the most inspiring persons I have ever known. Today I realize how lucky (and grateful) I am to have had him as a role model early on in my carrear, during my internship at CSIRO. He will always be a reference for me, not only of a... moreAlberto was one of the most inspiring persons I have ever known. Today I realize how lucky (and grateful) I am to have had him as a role model early on in my carrear, during my internship at CSIRO. He will always be a reference for me, not only of a great scientist and kind boss but specially of a humble man. Descance em paz Alberto! less
Alberto was a great leader and inspiration for me! Always kind with everyone, humble and curious. The day I landed in Los Angeles in 2010 for my MSc internship, he pick me up in the airport and took me for dinner with him and Noemia in their house, where... moreAlberto was a great leader and inspiration for me! Always kind with everyone, humble and curious. The day I landed in Los Angeles in 2010 for my MSc internship, he pick me up in the airport and took me for dinner with him and Noemia in their house, where I stayed for the first night. Warm welcome for the start of a transformative experience with him as an advisor at JPL! ALTAVE, the company which I co-founded, would not be born without him. We will all miss your wisdom and energy! Rest in Peace. less
I've known Alberto since 2012 when I joined CSIRO as a research intern. He then later became my PhD co-supervisor during my time at the University of Queensland. In fact, Alberto is the one who encouraged me to pursue a PhD in the first place.
It is... moreI've known Alberto since 2012 when I joined CSIRO as a research intern. He then later became my PhD co-supervisor during my time at the University of Queensland. In fact, Alberto is the one who encouraged me to pursue a PhD in the first place.
It is difficult to find words for how Alberto influenced not only my personal professional development, but also that of countless other people. He was a visionary, an inspiration and a mentor in ways that go beyond science and robotics. Despite his seniority and busy schedule, Alberto always found time to have a chat, support his colleagues, or have an open-ear for problems. I recall a moment in 2015 when my dad passed away, Alberto took me for lunch and sat with me for nearly 2 hours, helping me with his kind words and insights into how he dealt with such moments in the past.
I am truly thankful for having met and worked with such a tremendous scientist and person. Thank you for everything Alberto! less
Alberto was an amazing roboticist and an extraordinary human being. I consider myself privileged to have had him as a mentor, "boss", colleague and friend. I learned a lot from him about robots - but I learned much more about life! Once, when he was my... moreAlberto was an amazing roboticist and an extraordinary human being. I consider myself privileged to have had him as a mentor, "boss", colleague and friend. I learned a lot from him about robots - but I learned much more about life! Once, when he was my manager, I asked him if, during one of my international travels, I could spend some time at home with my parents in Brazil and work from there for a couple of weeks, as my father's health wasn't great. I was a bit reluctant to ask (working from home wasn't as popular a few years ago as it has suddenly become in 2020). Alberto's answer was: "Paulo, in 20 years time when you look back what will you think: ( a ) I should have written another ICRA paper or signed another project or ( b ) I should have spent a bit more time with my father" That episode gave me a lesson for life. This is only one of many inspirational moments that I had with Alberto, one of the most intelligent and kindest men I have ever met. Thank you for everything, Big Al. less
I met Alberto a couple of weeks after I arrived in Australia and am fortunate enough to have collaborated with him in the past eight years.
I knew Alberto had made important contributions in robotics: His method laid the groundwork of one of the most... moreI met Alberto a couple of weeks after I arrived in Australia and am fortunate enough to have collaborated with him in the past eight years.
I knew Alberto had made important contributions in robotics: His method laid the groundwork of one of the most important subfields of robotics, robot mapping. Over the years, I also learned that collaborating with him is also exciting! Despite his seniority, he still has the time to discuss technical details, and have a clear and hands-on vision of the work. No doubt, his work command admiration.
However, I think his life command even greater respect. His wisdom, ability to balance work and life, and more importantly to bring and stand by Godly principles at work, are something I, and I think anyone who has known him, aspire to be.
You have fought a good fight and moved on to the best place for retirement. Until we meet again! less
I met Alberto in Curitiba in 1973, at the time he was driving a Volkswagen Beetle that could barely fit inside. At ITA, through ABU I was able to be with him a few times. Despite being a big man, he had a soft heart. My condolences to the family.
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