Stanford University has recently inaugurated its new Stanford Robotics Center, a state-of-the-art hub designed to unify its robotics research efforts. Situated in the refurbished basement of the Packard Electrical Engineering Building, the center represents years of planning and collaboration. It opened its doors to the public at a reception held on November 1st with the promise of being a catalyst for groundbreaking research and innovation.
The new facility replaces a corridor that once housed isolated labs behind closed doors. Now, it is an open and activity-filled space that encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration among various faculties. The vibrant environment includes several research bays placed side-by-side, each hosting intriguing demonstrations. For instance, visitors can witness a dancer's movements being captured and projected digitally, observe robotic systems performing domestic tasks, or see medical students interacting with virtual tools as part of simulated surgeries.
Professor Oussama Khatib, the director of the center, played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and realizing this space. With roots in Stanford since 1981, Khatib has been a driving force behind the integration of different research disciplines within robotics. "This idea, this dream, was always there, even back then," said Khatib. He believes success in robotics hinges on the collaboration of mechanical engineering, computer science, materials science, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence. His OceanOne submersible robot, which has taken part in deep-sea explorations, serves as a testament to his innovative efforts.
Historically, Stanford has spearheaded numerous robotics achievements, such as the 'Stanford Cart,' a pioneering rover for lunar missions, and 'Shakey,' an early robot integrating artificial intelligence and computer vision. Collaborating with longstanding colleagues like Mark Cutkosky, who invented the gecko-inspired Stickybot, Khatib saw the benefit of a centralized space that could amass faculty resources for larger, more ambitious projects.
Among the researchers benefiting from the new center is Assistant Professor Jeannette Bohg, known for her work with domestic robots aimed at aiding household tasks and enhancing independent living for seniors. Her TidyBot, a collaboration involving multiple universities, employs AI and computer vision to organize home environments by understanding the owner's preferences. Bohg appreciates the center's spaciousness, enabling her and her team to conduct more expansive experiments without cramping their workspace.
Professor Allison Okamura, who runs the Collaborative Haptics and Robotics in Medicine (CHARM) Lab, values the spontaneous collaboration the new center incites. In a recent case, when her team was testing a soft, snake-like robot for rescue missions, a chance discussion with another lab's student led to a new cooperative project involving machine learning applications.
The center's creation involved careful planning and resource management. Brian Carilli, the associate director of facilities and planning, was instrumental in executing the vision of Khatib and his colleagues. A notable feature he introduced includes ceiling panels designed to simulate windows, giving the illusion of a sky view and brightening the basement environment.
With future expansions in mind, including an underwater testing lab for robotic research, the center aims to push boundaries continuously. While logistical challenges remain, Khatib and his team are committed to enhancing the center's capabilities.
Overall, the opening of Stanford's new robotics center marks a significant milestone for the university, facilitating a collaborative spirit and housing cutting-edge research under one roof. "The Stanford Robotics Center today is so beautiful," Khatib noted, emphasizing the collective excitement shared by faculty, students, and industry partners alike.
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