PhD Speaking Qualifier

Abstract: We propose to answer zero-shot questions about videos by generating short procedural programs that derive a final answer from solving a sequence of visual subtasks. We present Procedural Video Querying (ProViQ), which uses a large language model to generate such programs from an input question and an API of visual modules in the prompt, [...]

Abstract: Robotic caregivers could potentially improve the quality of life of many who require physical assistance. However, in order to assist individuals who are lying in bed, robots must be capable of dealing with a significant obstacle: the blanket or sheet that will almost always cover the person's body. We propose a method for targeted [...]

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Abstract: Imitation learning has been a prevalent approach for teaching robots manipulation skills but still suffers from scalability and generalizability. In this talk, I'll argue for going beyond elementary behavioral imitation from human demonstrations. Instead, I'll present two key directions: 1) Creating Manipulation Controllers from Pre-Trained Representations, and 2) Representing Video Demonstrations with Parameterized Symbolic [...]

Abstract: Many problems in robotics can be formulated as quadratic programs (QPs). In particular, model-predictive control problems often involve repeatedly solving QPs at very high rates (up to kilohertz). However, while other areas of robotics like machine learning have achieved high performance by taking advantage of parallelism on modern computing hardware, state-of-the-art algorithms for solving [...]

Abstract: Computer Vision is Correspondence, correspondence, correspondence! Inspite of the singular definition of computer vision, we still have two broad categories of approaches in the literature. Generative Models, like Stable Diffusion, learn a correspondence between image and text modality, while learning a mapping from text to image. Discriminative Models, like CLIP, on the other hand [...]

Abstract: We study the problem of finding a trajectory for an agent to intercept a number of moving targets while avoiding obstacles. Applications include resupplying naval ships at sea and recharging aerial vehicles with a ground vehicle. We model the problem as an extension of the traveling salesman problem, which we refer to as the [...]

Abstract: Current state-of-the-art autonomous driving vehicles mainly rely on each individual sensor system to perform perception tasks. Such a framework's reliability could be limited by occlusion or sensor failure. To address this issue, more recent research proposes using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to share perception information with others. However, most relevant works focus only on cooperative [...]

Abstract: Wheel odometry is not often used in state estimation for off-road vehicles due to frequent wheel slippage, varying wheel radii, and the 3D motion of the vehicle not fitting with the 2D nature of integrated wheel odometry. This paper proposes a novel 3D preintegration of wheel encoder measurements on manifold. Our method additionally estimates [...]

Abstract: Causal inference focuses on uncovering cause-effect relationships from data, diverging from conventional machine learning which primarily relies on correlation analysis. By identifying these causal relationships, causal inference improves feature selection for predictive models, leading to predictions that are more accurate, interpretable, and robust. This approach proves especially effective with interventional data, such as randomized [...]

Abstract: An exciting frontier in robotic manipulation is the use of multiple arms at once. However, planning concurrent motions is a challenging task using current methods. A major obstacle is the high-dimensional state space of this planning problem, which renders many traditional motion planning algorithms impractical. This opens the door for alternatives to the common [...]

Abstract: Recent advancements in physics-based character animation leverage deep learning to generate agile and natural motion, enabling characters to execute movements such as backflips, boxing, and tennis. However, reproducing the selection and use of diverse motor skills in dynamic environments to solve complex tasks, as humans do, still remains a challenge. We present a strategy [...]

Abstract: In this work we present HaptiClay, a low-cost kinesthetic haptic interface that elevates the understanding of mathematics language by providing embodied non-verbal representations of math concepts. Our interface integrates four key components: a haptic device, a high-level simulation that communicates with a low-level controller for force and position updates, a low-level controller that executes [...]