Filip Grigorov

Hi, I'm Filip Grigorov

Computer Vision/Robotics Researcher & Engineer

Graduate student at University of Toronto, part of the embARC research group, and Staff Computer Vision Engineer at TORC Robotics. Passionate about advancing autonomous systems through cutting-edge perception, robotics and AI research.

πŸ€–
Robotics/AI Research
Vector Institute/Robotics Institute of UofT
πŸš—
Autonomous Driving
TORC Robotics
πŸŽ“
Graduate Research
University of Toronto

Experience

My journey in AI and autonomous systems

Machine Learning Technical Lead – Calibration, Odometry & Localization

Torc Robotics
2025 – Present

Leading the calibration, odometry, and localization team for autonomous driving. Owning the visual odometry architecture (classical and learned), advancing keypoint-based perception models, defining the technical roadmap, and mentoring engineers while aligning the stack with product and platform strategy.

Affiliate Researcher

Vector Institute & University of Toronto Robotics Institute
2023 – Present

Collaborating with academic partners on research at the intersection of computer vision, robotics, and AI systems, connecting industrial autonomous-driving work with fundamental research directions.

Staff Computer Vision / Deep Learning Engineer

Torc Robotics
2023 – 2024

Drove deployment of perception modules on target hardware in real time after the Algolux acquisition. Led research on weather-robust perception, helped define image inference product requirements, and contributed to the design and integration of core features across the self-driving software stack.

Senior Computer Vision / Deep Learning Researcher & Engineer

Algolux
2021 – 2023

Led R&D for multi-object 2D/3D tracking and stereo-based perception, improving tracking accuracy and enabling dense depth estimation. Architected and deployed real-time embedded detection models and TensorRT-accelerated networks as part of the production perception stack and inference engine.

Senior Computer Vision / Machine Learning Researcher

Alcatraz AI
2018 – 2021

Built multi-face tracking, tailgate detection, and spoof-detection systems for access control. Designed auto-annotation and data pipelines, optimized models for edge devices, and integrated computer vision algorithms into a highly optimized C++/CUDA production codebase.

Computer Vision / Machine Learning Researcher

Gameloft
2016 – 2018

Developed intelligent systems for robotic mobile-game testing, including detection pipelines, OCR, reinforcement learning prototypes, and automation frameworks. Worked across C++, Python, and Lua to integrate perception, control, and tooling into a unified testing platform.

Teaching Experience

Supervision and mentorship

Academic Intern Supervisor & Mentor

University of Toronto
2024 – 2025

Supervised and mentored an intern for the Winter 2023 term, and another for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms, supporting research skills, engineering practices, and project execution.

Computer Vision Intern Supervisor

Alcatraz AI
2019

Supervised two intern research projects focused on bad-light detection and head-pose estimation from minimal data inputs, guiding algorithm design and implementation.

Education

Academic background and training

MSc in Computer Science

University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
2023 – Present

Graduate student in the embARC research group under Professor Nandita Vijaykumar, focusing on computer systems, AI, and robotics.

BEng in Mechanical Engineering (Dean’s Honours List)

McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
2010 – 2013

Training in mechanical design, dynamics, and control, with emphasis on applied mathematics and engineering fundamentals.

BCom in Finance (Accounting Concentration)

McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
2006 – 2009

Business and finance education with a concentration in accounting, providing a foundation in quantitative analysis and decision-making.

DEC in Pure Science (Dean’s Honours List)

Dawson College (Honours Program), Montreal, QC, Canada
2004 – 2006

Intensive honours program in physics and mathematics, building a strong analytical and scientific background.

Honours and Awards

Selected scholarships

2011

Engineering Class of 1953 Scholarship

McGill University

2012

Ram & Durga Panda Scholarship

McGill University

Publications & Patents

Selected research contributions and innovations

Conference Abstract
ISMRM 22nd Annual Meeting

Sub-millimeter conventional fMRI at 3T with a dense, shape-optimized 32-channel posterior head coil

Boris Keil, Filip Grigorov, Andre J. van der Kouwe, Lawrence L. Wald, Reza Farivar
πŸ“… 2014 πŸ”¬ ISMRM

High-density 32-channel posterior coil enabling sub-millimeter fMRI at 3T, demonstrating gains in SNR and spatial resolution for visual cortex imaging.

Journal Article
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

Dense, shape-optimized posterior 32-channel coil for submillimeter functional imaging of visual cortex at 3T

Reza Farivar, Filip Grigorov, Andre J. van der Kouwe, Lawrence L. Wald, Boris Keil
πŸ“… July 2015 πŸ”¬ Wiley

Research on optimized MRI coil design for high-resolution functional brain imaging, advancing neuroimaging capabilities at 3 Tesla field strength.

US Patent
US Patent 10,679,443

System and method for controlling access to a building with facial recognition

Filip Grigorov, Maxim Taralov, Vahram Antonyan, Marine Dunoguier, Ventseslav Gaydarzhiev
πŸ“… June 2020 🏒 Alcatraz AI, Inc.

Multi-person facial recognition system for access control using visible light and IR detection, with capability to detect and authenticate multiple individuals simultaneously.

Research Interests

Areas where I push the boundaries of AI and robotics

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Robotics

Next frontier embodied intelligence and robotics that physically interact with the real world

🦾

RL for Robotics

Reinforcement learning techniques trained in simulation for real-world robotics

πŸ‘οΈ

Computer Vision

Advanced perception systems for autonomous vehicles and robotics applications

✨

Foundation Models

Foundation models for robotic perception, control, and open-world manipulation and navigation.

βš›οΈ

Simulation

Physics-based simulations for training and validating autonomous systems

Technical Skills

Technologies and tools I work with

🧠 Deep Learning

PyTorch TensorFlow keras TensorRT Executorch ONNX Large Models Transformers Diffusion

πŸ‘οΈ Computer Vision

Object Detection 3D Geometry Scene Understanding Odometry Tracking Segmentation Image Processing (ISP) opencv

πŸ€– Robotics

RL Robotic Manipulation World Models VLAs Control IsaacLab SAPIEN Mujoco rsl_rl ROS

πŸ’» Programming

Python C/C++ Shell scripting Lua

Let's Connect

Interested in collaboration, research opportunities, or just want to chat about AI and autonomous systems? Feel free to reach out!