Abstract:

Dr. Rizzi will provide an overview of the ongoing work at the Robotics and AI Institute (RAI Institute) and its ongoing research efforts focused on the design and control of the next generation of intelligent and capable robotics systems. The focus is on the development of systems capable of performing complex dynamic tasks at human and animal cadences. In this context, cadence includes not only speed, but also dexterity and agility. Dr. Rizzi will include a brief history of some of the robotics research and development work he participated in at Boston Dynamics, and an overview of the goals and projects being undertaken at the RAI Institute. The key goal of the RAI Institute is to shift the way we think about improving the capability of robot systems by simultaneously developing systems and algorithms that combine high performance mechanisms with highly capable control systems and cutting edge embodied AI systems.

Bio:

Al Rizzi has 25 years of experience building a menagerie of cool dynamic robots. As CTO of the Institute, he guides the technical fearlessness and fundamental thinking that underlies the organization’s mission. Previously, Al served as Chief Scientist at Boston Dynamics, and was a member of the faculty of the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.