A training workbench based on transient building models for creating intelligent energy operators
Data-Centric Engineering
Research Scientist & PhD Candidate
Hi, I'm Rubén Mulero
I research Artificial Intelligence, Deep Reinforcement Learning, and Model Predictive Control (MPC) applied to sustainable building energy management and smart grids at Tecnalia Research & Innovation and UPV/EHU.
My work bridges computational intelligence and physical thermal systems, focusing on empirical validation in full-scale experimental testbeds such as KUBIK. Supervised by Dr. Roberto Garay Martinez and Dr. Iñigo Mendialdua.
17+
Peer-Reviewed Papers & Chapters
Tecnalia
Leading Applied Research Center
KUBIK
Full-Scale Testbed Validation
DRL & MPC
Intelligent Building Controls
Biography
About Rubén Mulero
I am a Research Scientist at Tecnalia Research & Innovation and a PhD Candidate in Energy Engineering & Artificial Intelligence at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), co-supervised by Dr. Roberto Garay Martinez (DeustoTech, University of Deusto) and Dr. Iñigo Mendialdua (UPV/EHU).
My research develops intelligent supervisory control algorithms combining Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), Model Predictive Control (MPC), and Thermal Building Dynamics. My trajectory spans from Computer Engineering at UPV/EHU and IoT research at the University of Deusto (MORElab) to full-scale empirical experiments at Tecnalia’s KUBIK experimental smart building and European Horizon Europe initiatives such as SITEBOT.
PhD Candidate
UPV/EHU & Tecnalia (Co-supervised by Dr. R. Garay & Dr. I. Mendialdua)
Full-Scale Testbed
Empirical experiments & sensor analytics at KUBIK experimental smart building
European Research
Active in Horizon Europe projects (e.g. EIC Pathfinder SITEBOT, 2026–2030)
Computer Engineering
Graduate from UPV/EHU, former technical researcher at MORElab (University of Deusto)
Core Research Lines
Bridging machine learning and thermal engineering for intelligent decarbonization
SITEBOT: Swarm Robotic Intelligence for Timber Building On-site Technologies
Advancing autonomous robot collectives and swarm intelligence for safer, faster, and greener on-site timber-based building assembly.
Read overview →Reinforcement Learning for Building Energy Management
Developing intelligent autonomous agents that optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operation to balance occupant comfort with energy reduction.
Read overview →Model Predictive Control (MPC) & Evolutionary Optimization
Formulating predictive control strategies for combined electrical and thermal building systems integrated with energy markets.
Read overview →Recent Publications
Latest papers in journals and international scientific conferences
AN EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHM-BASED MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL FOR COMBINED ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
Proceedings of the 2024 European Conference on Computing in Construction
An Early Decision Support Tool for Energy-Focused Renovation of Residential Buildings
2024 9th International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Technologies, SpliTech 2024
A review of advanced ground source heat pump control: Artificial intelligence for autonomous and adaptive control
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Latest Articles & News
Insights, experiment updates and open scientific dissemination
A Fresh Start: Relaunching My Personal Research Website
Announcing the complete redesign of my personal academic website—aimed at sharing higher quality research content, improving navigation, and enabling open scientific dissemination.
Read article →A Training Workbench Based on Transient Building Models for Creating Intelligent Energy Operators
How we formulated an empirical simulation workbench that trains autonomous reinforcement learning operators to optimize complex thermal systems while safeguarding indoor comfort.
Read article →Rubén Mulero's Website is Now Online
Welcome to my personal website. An open space to share research ideas, experiments, and engineering results.
Read article →