Calendar of Events
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2 events,
PhD Thesis Defense
Stefanos Nikolaidis
Mathematical Models of Adaptation in Human-Robot Collaboration
Abstract: While much work in human-robot interaction has focused on leader- follower teamwork models, the recent advancement of robotic systems that have access to vast amounts of information suggests the need for robots that take into account the quality of the human decision making and actively guide people towards better ways of doing their task. [...]
VASC Seminar
Jose Miguel Buenaposada
Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain
Multi-class Boosting in Computer Vision
Abstract: Boosting classifiers have been extensively used for learning multi-view single objects detectors (e.g. faces, cars or pedestrians) or in multiple object categories detectors. Object detection has been evolving from being specific for a given object category to multi-view or even being able to detect multiple categories at the same time. The usual framework for [...]
1 event,
RI Seminar
James McCann
On-Demand Machine Knitting for Everyone
Abstract: Knitting machines are general-purpose fabrication devices that can robustly create intricate 3D surfaces from yarn by cleverly actuating thousands of mechanical needles. Knitting machines are an established feature of the textiles production landscape, in use today to make everything from socks to sweaters. However, the current design tools for machine knitting are sorely lacking [...]
1 event,
CFR Seminar
Kiril Solovey
Tel-Aviv University
The Critical Radius in Sampling-Based Motion Planning
Abstract ------------ Motion planning is a fundamental problem in robotics: allowing autonomous robots to efficiently navigate in environments cluttered with obstacles. Sampling-based algorithms, which were first described two decades ago, have made a great impact on the field of robotics by providing simple but highly-effective tools for motion planning. These techniques aim to capture the [...]
2 events,
Staff Events
Staff Lunch
Staff Lunch
By Invitation Only - All Robotics Institute administrative support staff are invited to join us for our monthly lunch meeting. Cheryl will provide a brief update on the team reorganization.
SCS Distinguished Lecture
Liam Pedersen
Nissan Research Center, Silicon Valley
Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Robotics in the Age of Autonomy
Liam Pedersen leads the autonomous vehicle group at Nissan’s Research Center in Silicon Valley, focusing on the AI software for driverless operations in urban areas. Prior to this he worked on robotic systems for planetary exploration at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. He holds a Ph.D. in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, and is the recipient [...]
1 event,
RI Seminar
James McBride
Ford
AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Vehicle Development at Ford Motor Company
Notice: The Location for these event has changed! The event will now take place in 6115 Gates Hillman Center. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Michigan M.S. in Physics, Michigan State University B.S. in Physics & Mathematics, University of Wisconsin – River Falls Abstract: This presentation will highlight the history of autonomous vehicle development at [...]
3 events,
PhD Thesis Proposal
Akshara Rai
Learning to learn from simulation: Using simulations to expedite learning on robots
Abstract: Robot controllers, including locomotion controllers, often consist of expert-designed heuristics. These heuristics can be hard to tune, particularly in higher dimensions. It is typical to use simulation to tune or learn these parameters and test on hardware. However, controllers learned in simulation often don't transfer to hardware due to model mismatch. This necessitates controller [...]
RI Seminar
Yoshinori Dobashi
Hokkaido University, Japan
Fun with fluids
Event Location: Gates Hillman 6501Bio: Yoshinori Dobashi is an associate professor at Hokkaido University in the graduate school of engineering, Japan since 2000. His research interests center in computer graphics including lighting models. Dobashi received his BE, ME and Ph.D in Engineering in 1992, 1994, and 1997, respectively, from Hiroshima University. He worked at Hiroshima […]
VASC Seminar
Yoshinori Dobashi
Hokkaido University, Japan
Fun with Fluids
Abstract: Visual simulation of fluids has become an indispensable tool for computer graphics. Many fluid phenomena can be simulated by solving Navier-Stokes equations. In computer graphics, the NS equations are mostly used for simulating smoke, water and fire. However, it is useful for other different purposes. In this talk, we show our usage of [...]
1 event,
PhD Thesis Defense
Arun Venkatraman
Training Strategies for Time Series: Learning for Prediction, Filtering, and Reinforcement Learning
Abstract: Data driven approaches to modeling time-series are important in a variety of applications from market prediction in economics to the simulation of robotic systems. However, traditional supervised machine learning techniques designed for i.i.d. data often perform poorly on these sequential problems. This thesis proposes that time series and sequential prediction, whether for forecasting, filtering, […]
3 events,
Special Events
Panelists: Eric Fuchs, Mark Kamlet, Justin Laing, Alex Pazuchanics
Panel Discussion: “Robotics, Pittsburgh and the End of Work”
As one of the test sites for Uber’s driverless cars, Pittsburgh is frequently hailed as a city of the future. And indeed, some economists predict that robots will outnumber human workers as early as 2040. At this panel will talk about how we can plan for this seismic change in our economy and way of […]
Special Events
Dinner Reception: “Robotics, Pittsburgh and the End of Work”
Dinner Reception: “Robotics, Pittsburgh and the End of Work”
After the “Robotics, Pittsburgh and the End of Work” talk, head over the lounge outside of the Giant Eagle auditorium, A51 Baker Hall, for a dinner reception from 6-7 pm.
Special Events
Kathi Weeks
Duke University
“Love Your Work”
Kathi Weeks is Professor of Women’s Studies at Duke University and writes about the intersection of feminism and labor. In her talk about anti-work politics in the age of “love your work,” Weeks Livingston argues for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) and a future in which we leave the Protestant work ethic behind.
3 events,
Faculty Events
Robotics Institute Faculty Lunch
Robotics Institute Faculty Lunch
By Invitation Only - Robotics Institute Faculty Lunch - Please arrive by 11:45AM, talk will begin promptly at 12:00PM.
PhD Speaking Qualifier
Richard Goldstein
Expressive Real-time Intersection Scheduling
Abstract: Traffic congestion is a major annoyance throughout global metropolitan areas. This talk will present Expressive Real-time Intersection Scheduling (ERIS), a schedule-driven control strategy for adaptive intersection control to reduce traffic congestion. ERIS maintains separate estimates for each lane approaching a traffic intersection allowing it to more accurately estimate the effects of scheduling decisions than […]
1 event,
VASC Seminar
Laszlo A. Jeni
Challenges Facing Computational Face
Abstract: Recent advances in computational face research make possible a growing range of scientific, behavioral, and commercial applications. Many companies are focusing on the future of computational face products and services, but number of critical research questions remain to be solved. These include 3D face alignment from 2D image, face analysis under extreme pose variation […]
1 event,
RI Seminar
C. Karen Liu
School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Tech
Modeling Human Movements for Robotics
Abstract: Creating realistic virtual humans has traditionally been considered a research problem in Computer Animation primarily for entertainment applications. With the recent breakthrough in collaborative robots and deep reinforcement learning, accurately modeling human movements and behaviors has become a common challenge faced by researchers in robotics, artificial intelligence, as well as Computer Animation. In this […]
2 events,
RoboOrg Meta Seminar
Chris Atkeson
Don’t forget to have fun
Abstract: I like to think that robots should be rational agents, modeled on human behavior. I teach a course about using optimization to plan over time by maximizing utility. I note that a series of Nobel Prizes in Economics, starting with CMU's own AI pioneer Herb Simon and including one to Daniel Kahneman and this […]
Special Events
RoboOrg Board Games
RoboOrg Board Games
Board game night in RoboLounge with pizza and soda! We will be playing a bunch of games including Settlers of Catan, Codenames, Coup, Reformation and more!
1 event,
RI Seminar
Dmitry Berenson
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Department, University of Michigan
What Matters for Deformable Object Manipulation
Abstract: Deformable objects such as cables and clothes are ubiquitous in factories, hospitals, and homes. While a great deal of work has investigated the manipulation of rigid objects in these settings, manipulation of deformable objects remains under-explored. The problem is indeed challenging, as these objects are not straightforward to model and have infinite-dimensional configuration spaces, […]
1 event,
Special Events
RoboOrg FIFA 17 Tournament
RoboOrg FIFA 17 Tournament
Kicking off (pun intended) RoboOrg video game tournaments with FIFA 17, food and sodas! Sign up at this link or just show up the day of. Bring a healthy competitive spirit because we have some serious players!
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University