It’s Only Common Sense: The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations
Marcy’s Musings: The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Do/Start'
Caltech and Disney Engineers Collaborate on Robotics
January 22, 2018 | CaltechEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Caltech and Disney Research have entered into a joint research agreement to pioneer robotic control systems and further explore artificial intelligence technologies.
The agreement creates a framework that will allow researchers and engineers at Caltech and Disney Research to easily collaborate on projects of mutual interest. The three-year agreement officially began in August 2017 with projects focused on developing robots with new autonomous movement capabilities and improving machine learning for robots on the move. The goal is to help smooth future human-machine interactions.
Caltech's Pietro Perona will work with Disney roboticist Martin Buehler to create navigation and perception software that could allow robotic characters to safely move through dense crowds and interact with people. The goal is to design these robots to perceive and understand their surroundings, distinguishing objects from people. They should also be able to make assessments about the people they meet—determining whether someone is looking for directions, for example.
Perona, Allen E. Puckett Professor of Electrical Engineering in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS), is the cofounder of Visipedia, a Google-funded project that is using advances in machine learning and computer vision to help classify objects in photographs. Together with colleagues at Cornell University, his team has created a smartphone app that can distinguish among more than 550 bird species in North America.
Meanwhile, Caltech's Aaron Ames, Bren Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and Control and Dynamical Systems in EAS, will work with Disney Research's Lanny Smoot to further explore robot autonomy and machine learning by creating objects that can self-navigate and perform stunts. For example, the engineers hope to create autonomous robotic balls that will have unique bouncing patterns and teach them how to interact with each other. Ames, who studies robotic walking, arrived at Caltech at the beginning of 2017.
Caltech and Disney Research have a fruitful history of collaboration. Yisong Yue, assistant professor of computing and mathematical sciences, recently worked with engineers from Disney Research on the use of machine learning to analyze the behavior of soccer players and to measure audience engagement.
Share on:
Suggested Items
AV’s Tomahawk Awarded $5.1M Contract for Human-Machine Integrated Formations Project by U.S. Army RCCTO
05/20/2025 | BUSINESS WIRETomahawk GCS, an AeroVironment (“AV”) product line specializing in autonomous and intelligent multi-domain systems, has been awarded a $5.1 million contract to support the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) rapid prototyping project.
MVTec Presents Advantages of Machine Vision for Battery Production
05/16/2025 | MVTecMVTec Software GmbH, a leading international manufacturer of machine vision software, will once again demonstrate the added value of machine vision for battery production at this year's Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart.
Revolutionizing Inspection With Delvitech
05/19/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineRoberto Gatti, CEO of Delvitech, shares insights into its Horus machine, a revolutionary innovation in AI-driven inspection technology. This unique system leverages five patented optical heads and custom cameras to perform high-speed, precise inspections. With capabilities that extend beyond traditional limitations, the Horus machine seeks to transform inspection in electronics and microelectronics, as well as the food and pharmaceutical industries, showcasing the versatility and power of its AI-native technology.
ASMPT Presents Die Bonder with Intelligent Features
05/14/2025 | ASMPTASMPT, the leading supplier of production equipment for advanced packaging and semiconductor assembly, introduces its flagship INFINITE bonder, which achieves top performance in throughput and quality.
Breaking Down Barriers: The Connectivity of Machines in SMT Production Lines
05/14/2025 | Bill Cardoso, Creative ElectronAs the world increasingly moves toward erecting trade barriers, we find ourselves in a paradox. Across the globe, the rise in tariffs and protectionist policies is creating a more fragmented global economy, with nations seeking to insulate themselves from external economic pressures. However, within the confines of the SMT production line, the trend is moving in precisely the opposite direction—toward greater connectivity, integration, and collaboration. Rather than isolating one machine from another, SMT production lines are increasingly interconnected, with data being shared across various stages of the process to improve quality, efficiency, and defect detection.