PhD Thesis Proposal
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

Machine Learning Parallelism Could Be Adaptive, Composable and Automated

NSH 3305

Abstract: In recent years, the pace of innovations in the fields of machine learning has accelerated. To cope with the sheer computational complexity of training large ML models on large datasets, researchers in SysML have created algorithms and systems that parallelize ML training and inference over multiple CPUs or GPUs, or even multiple computing nodes [...]

MSR Speaking Qualifier

MSR Thesis Talk – Matt Martone

Newell-Simon Hall 3305

Title: Design and Control of a Large Modular Hexapod   Abstract: Legged robotic systems have made great strides in recent years, but unlike wheeled robots, limbed locomotion does not scale well.  Long legs demand huge torques, driving up actuator size and onboard battery mass.  This relationship results in massive structures that lack the safety, portability, [...]

PhD Speaking Qualifier
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

Online Kinodynamic Planning for Teams of Aerial Robots in 3-D Workspaces

NSH 4305

Abstract: An efficient online planning or replanning methodology is a critical requirement for scalable and responsive real world multi-robot deployments. The need to replan typically stems from the invalidation of existing plans due to incomplete knowledge of the environment, or, from scenarios that necessitate changing goal locations in response to evolving application requirements. In this [...]

PhD Thesis Proposal
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

Expressive Real-time Intersection Scheduling: New Methods for Adaptive Traffic Signal Control

GHC 6501

Abstract: Traffic congestion is a widespread problem throughout global metropolitan areas. In this thesis, we consider methods to optimize the performance of traffic signals to reduce congestion. We begin by presenting Expressive Real-time Intersection Scheduling (ERIS), a schedule-driven intersection control strategy that runs independently on each intersection in a traffic network. For each intersection, ERIS [...]

PhD Speaking Qualifier
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

Open-world 3D Object Detection

NSH 4305

Abstract: Perception for autonomous robots presents a set of unique challenges: finding the right representation for 3D signals, adapting to an open-world setting, and exploiting geometric priors. Successfully detecting objects regardless of their labels lays a solid foundation for safe navigation. I will present two of my recent works in this line. First, I will [...]

MSR Speaking Qualifier
PhD Student
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

MSR Thesis Talk: Jenny Nan

Smith Hall 200

Title: Combining Deep Learning and Verification for Precise Object Instance Detection   Abstract: Deep learning based object detectors often return false positives with very high confidence. Although they optimize generic detection performance, such as mean average precision (mAP), they are not designed for reliability. For a reliable detection system, if a high confidence detection is [...]

MSR Speaking Qualifier
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

MSR Thesis talk – Vasu Agrawal

NSH 4305

Title: Ground Up Design of a Multi-modal Object Localization System   Abstract:   Rapid situational awareness is the key to enabling a successful response from first responders during an emergency, where time is of the essence. Emergency personnel are often sent into incident scenes to gather information, but this is often a dangerous and slow process.  Subterranean environments [...]

MSR Speaking Qualifier
PhD Student
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

MSR Thesis Talk – Swaminathan Gurumurthy

GHC 4405

Title: Improving generalization in data-driven models with task-specific knowledge Abstract: With the rise of the over-parameterized deep learning models and massive datasets, many have started advocating towards minimizing the amount of prior knowledge added to a learning model. Ironically, the traditional machine learning community advocated for exactly the opposite. Whereas the latter assumes knowledge of [...]

PhD Thesis Proposal

Adaptive Planning and Control of Wheeled Mobile Robots in Challenging Environments

GHC 4405

Abstract: Over the last two decades, we have seen driverless cars conquer the Mojave desert, drive on mars and operate on our streets and warehouses. One of the most fundamental requirements of such robots is their ability to navigate their environment with minimal human oversight. As more robots graduate from the confines of laboratories to [...]