PhD Thesis Defense
PhD Student
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

Informative Path Planning Toward Autonomous Real-World Applications

GHC 4405

Abstract: Gathering information from the physical world is critical for applications such as scientific research, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, defense, and disaster response. Autonomous robots provide significant advantages for information gathering, particularly in situations where human access is constrained, hazardous, or impractical. By leveraging intelligent algorithms, these robots can efficiently collect data, enhancing decision-making [...]

VASC Seminar
Dr. Rong Yan
CTO
HeyGen

The New Era of Video Generation

Newell-Simon Hall 4305

Abstract: Traditional video production is slow, expensive, and requires specialized skills. Founded by CMU alumni, HeyGen is an AI-native video platform designed to revolutionize the video creation process by making visual storytelling accessible to all. We've successfully grown to more than 20M users, and tens of millions revenue in less than one year, with recognition [...]

PhD Speaking Qualifier
PhD Student
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

Robot Safety Beyond Collision-Avoidance

NSH 3305

Abstract: It is common to equate robot safety with “collision avoidance”, but in unstructured open-world environments, a robot’s representation of safety should be much more nuanced. For example, the household manipulator should understand that pouring coffee too fast will cause the liquid to overflow or pulling a mug too quickly from a cupboard will cause [...]

RI Seminar
Nima Fazeli
Assistant Professor
Robotics and Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan

Sensing the Unseen: Dexterous Tool Manipulation Through Touch and Vision

1403 Tepper School Building

Abstract: Dexterous tool manipulation is a dance between tool motion, deformation, and force transmission choreographed by the robot's end-effector. Take for example the use of a spatula. How should the robot reason jointly over the tool’s geometry and forces imparted to the environment through vision and touch? In this talk, I will present our recent [...]

Faculty Events
Michael B. Donohue Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Robotics
Robotics Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University

Enabling Collaboration between Creators and Generative Models

Newell-Simon Hall 4305

Abstract:​ Generative models have made visual content creation as little effort as writing a short text description. Meanwhile, these models also spark concerns among artists, designers, and photographers about job security and data ownership. This leads to many questions: Will generative models make creators’ jobs obsolete? Should creators stop sharing their work publicly? How can creators [...]

RI Seminar
Nikolay Atanasov
Associate Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego

RI Seminar with Nikolay Atanasov

1403 Tepper School Building

RI Seminar
Sangbae Kim
Professor
Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Physical Intelligence and Cognitive Biases Toward AI

1403 Tepper School Building

Abstract: When will robots be able to clean my house, dishes, and take care of laundry? While we source labor primarily from automated machines in factories, the penetration of physical robots in our daily lives has been slow. What are the challenges in realizing these intelligent machines capable of human level skill? Isn’t AI advanced [...]

Special Events

Robotics Institute Semi-formal

Hello all Robotics Institute faculty, students, visitors and staff, You and a guest are cordially invited to attend The Robotics Institute Semi-formal

RI Seminar
Charlie Kemp
Chief Technology Officer
Hello Robot Inc.

RI Seminar with Charlie Kemp

1403 Tepper School Building

RI Event

Robotics Institute Picnic

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for the 2025 Robotics Institute Picnic! More information and RSVP e-vite to follow as we get closer to the event.