Machine Perception & Cognitive Robotics Laboratory

Machine perception is concerned with algorithms and hardware that mimic the human mind’s ability to perceive sight, sound and touch. This includes the fields of computer vision, machine hearing, and computer touch, as well as areas such as computational photography and cognitive science. Computer vision represents the ability of an algorithm to take in visual input, i.e. images and video, and resp

ond with semantic information such as image class or action category. Machine perception will allow for greater human computer interaction as machines become able to decode human intentions and feelings. Cognitive robotics pertains to the use of robotic organisms to experimentally test cognitive theories in an embedded and embodied context. Low-cost mobile action/sensor networks in the form of wireless rovers enable the study of emergent group behaviors such as schooling, shoaling, and swarming. Using these tools we will be able explore simple cognitive structures that facilitate goal oriented group cooperation for tasks such as collaborative mapping and search and rescue. We are building a team of creative scientists, programmers, and engineers to build bridges between disciplines and develop novel hardware and software environments that allow the exploration of the intersection of perception, computation, and robotics.