[Colloq] Reminder (TODAY): Title: Algorithmic Tradeoffs in Robot Motion Planning | Speaker: Kostas Bekris, Rutgers University | Date: 4/6/16 Time: 10:30-11:30am Location: 366 WVH

[Walker, Lashauna]

Title: Algorithmic Tradeoffs in Robot Motion Planning
Speaker: Kostas Bekris, Rutgers University
Date: 4/6/16  Time: 10:30-11:30am   Location: 366 WVH


Abstract:
Roboticists have addressed increasingly complicated motion planning challenges over the last decades. A popular paradigm related to this achievement corresponds to sampling and graph-based solutions, for which the conditions to achieve asymptotic optimality have been recently identified. In this domain, we have contributed a study on the practical properties of these planners after finite computation time and how sparse representations can guarantee to efficiently return near-optimal solutions. We have also proposed the first method that achieves asymptotic optimality for kinodynamic planning without access to a steering function, which can impact high-dimensional belief space planning. After reviewing these contributions, this talk will discuss recent work on manipulation task planning challenges. In particular, we will present a methodology for rearranging multiple similar objects using a robotic arm. The talk will conclude on how such algorithmic progress together with technological developments bring the hope of reliably deploying robots in important applications, ranging from space exploration to warehouse automation and logistics.

Bio:
Kostas Bekris is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Rutgers University. He completed his PhD degree in Computer Science at Rice University, Houston, TX, under the supervision of Prof. Lydia Kavraki.  He was Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno between 2008 and 2012. He works in robotics and his interests include motion planning, especially for systems with dynamics, manipulation, online replanning, motion coordination, and applications in cyber-physical systems and simulations. His research group has been supported by NSF, NASA (Early CAREER Faculty award), DHS, DoD and the NY/NJ Port Authority.

Thank You.

LaShauna Walker
Events and Administrative Specialist
College of Computer and Information Science
Northeastern University
617-373-2763
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