Overview
Robotics and autonomous machines refer to a collection of applications involving the development of machines with human-like intelligent behavior. While early robots were primarily used for manufacturing, modern robots include ground vehicles that can drive around cities and explore planets, unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and transportation, and medical devices that provide new capabilities to doctors and patients. Emerging applications require increased autonomy, resilience and safety, as well as increased interaction with humans and with society. Research at Caltech spans many exciting areas, from machine learning to computer vision to control theory to neuroscience. We also have substantial interactions with JPL in the area of robotics, including courses taught by some of the leading experts responsible for supplying technology options for robotic space missions.
Aaron Ames works on the nonlinear control of dynamic robotic systems, safety-critical autonomy, and the experimental realization on legged, ground, flying and assistive robots. Richard Murray works on specification, synthesis, and testing of safety-critical control systems, including autonomous vehicles, using tools from formal methods and control theory. Steven Low applies control and optimization to the design and operation of large-scale networks, especially energy systems. Soon-Jo Chung works on swarm robot systems and nonlinear control theory for ensuring safety and robustness of learning-based autonomous systems. John Doyle works on architectures that enable flexibility and adaptability but also safety and sustainability.