Spring 2024 Colloquia
Automated Design and Fabrication of Multimaterial Robots
厂辫别补办别谤:听Robert MacCurdy
Tuesday, April 23,听11:30am - 12:30pm MT
础产蝉迟谤补肠迟:听Current electromechanical design practice is predicated on the exercise of expert-level judgement through an interactive and iterative design and fabrication process that requires skilled humans at every step. This approach doesn't scale because it is labor intensive, and therefore biases robots toward longer-lasting, more general-purpose (and expensive) designs in order to justify the development and fabrication costs. Though appropriate in some cases, not all applications are well-served by this process. Many robot applications might be better-served by rapidly-built special-purpose or single-use machines, but automated design and fabrication tools will be critical to control costs, accelerate development, and be responsive to application needs. My overall goal is to make electromechanical systems (robots) so easy to design and fabricate that we could enable people who are application experts (but not necessarily robot design or fabrication experts) to rapidly create robots for their specific needs. Although Roboticists claim that robots are for dull, dirty, and dangerous use-cases, the community predominantly uses them for the 听first case, because robots are currently expensive and slow to build, which makes them precious. If we change this situation by making robots practically disposable/expendable, we could potentially re-imagine many robot use-cases. With this future in mind, we are creating new design tools to convert high-level requirements specified by non-experts into concrete multimaterial electromechanical design plans, new materials that leverage multimaterial additive manufacturing, and new multimaterial fabrication methods to automatically convert these designs into functional robots. I will highlight each of these elements in the presentation.
Bio:听Dr. Robert MacCurdy is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering (also by courtesy in CS and ECEE) at the 糖心Vlog破解版 where he leads the Matter Assembly Computation Lab (MACLab). He is developing new algorithms, materials, and fabrication tools to automatically design and manufacture electromechanical systems, with a focus on robotics. Rob did his PhD with Hod Lipson at Cornell University and his postdoctoral work at MIT with Daniela Rus. He holds a B.A. in Physics from Ithaca College, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and an M.S. and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.听
Digitally Fabricating Reality: Computational Design Approaches in Geospatial Data Physicalization
厂辫别补办别谤:听Hessam Djavaherpour
Tuesday, April 16, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract: In our data-rich era, everyday technology like smartphones generates vast, complex geospatial datasets. Understanding this data requires innovative visualization methods, the focus of this lecture, which explores the intersection of computational design, digital fabrication, and geospatial data visualization.
We begin by examining how computational design transforms abstract geospatial data into understandable, interactive models. This exploration spans various geospatial contexts, emphasizing how physical models can deepen our understanding and interaction with data.
Central to this discussion is digital fabrication technology, particularly 3D printing, and its role in creating data-driven geometries. We dissect the process of converting raw data into tangible objects, underlining the synergy between design, fabrication, and bringing conceptual forms into the physical realm. This includes meticulously rendering diverse datasets, from continental curvatures to vegetation and pathways.
The lecture also investigates data-driven design in architectural geometries, where computational methods are used to create physical forms that maintain the clarity and integrity of the original data. We conclude by discussing the wider implications of this approach. Transforming geospatial data into physical forms not only enhances comprehension and analysis but also raises public environmental awareness through engaging architectural spaces.
This exploration aims to demonstrate the transformative power of computational design and digital fabrication, making geospatial data more accessible and meaningful, and inspiring further innovation in data visualization and interaction.
Bio: Sam is an architect and computational designer, holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the , Canada, where he specialized in . His research intersects the realms of data visualization, digital fabrication, and immersive technologies. Passionate about data-driven design, Sam leverages technology to forge interactive tools that enhance creativity, collaboration, and community engagement across design, architecture, and education.
Currently serving as a Computational Designer at Kirkor Architects in Toronto, Sam brings a unique perspective to design and architectural projects. In 2023, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at , Bordeaux, France. There, working with Yvonne Jansen, he explored XR applications in visualization, deepening his expertise in this innovative field.
Sam鈥檚 doctoral research centered on the digital fabrication of objects representing diverse datasets, contributing to the field of data physicalization. His efforts were geared towards enhancing the comprehension, exploration, and memorability of data. He has published extensively on physicalizing geospatial data at various scales, reflecting his commitment to advancing understanding and interaction in this specialized domain.
听听听
Developing Manual-Computational Fabrication Systems Based on Action-Oriented Craft Workflows
Speaker:听Sam Bourgault
Wednesday, April 10, 10:30 - 11:30am MT
Abstract: Manual crafts typically involve action-oriented workflows, wherein an artifact鈥檚 form results from repeated incremental actions performed by a craftsperson. Craft practices are also concerned with the production of high-quality artifacts through in-depth and skillful engagement with materials. Following this definition, digital fabrication, i.e., using computer-aided tools to design and fabricate artifacts, is a form of craft. Standard digital fabrication workflows, however, tend to follow automated and linear procedures that conceal material and machine knowledge into computational abstractions. In this talk, I propose digital fabrication systems based on action-oriented workflows informed by craft theoretical and practical knowledge. I theorize that action-oriented systems have the potential to (1) support novel design spaces through fine control over machine toolpaths, (2) make material properties discoverable, and (3) enable fabrication workflows that integrate manual and computational processes. I present three computational systems that extend manual craft practices and future work to investigate this theory further.
Bio:听Sam Bourgault (she/they)
- B.Eng. Physics, Polytechnique Montreal
- B.F.A. Computation Arts, Concordia University
- M.S. Media Arts and Technology, UC Santa Barbara
- Ph.D. Candidate in Media Arts and Technology, UC Santa Barbara听
Craftwork: A Textile & Technology Studio
Speakers:听Victoria Manganiello and Nicole Yi Messier
Tuesday, April 9,听11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract: Craftwork is a multidisciplinary design and art studio exploring the nature of textiles and technology through storytelling, material-based research and installations. Our broad-based skill set focuses on creative technologies, textile fabrication, and novel materials explored through historical and cultural contexts. We intentionally engage in experimental techniques in both the physical and digital realms, frequently intertwined. During this talk, we will share studio projects, our process, and discuss the reasons why we are working with textiles and technology.
Bio:听Nicole Yi Messier, partner听 |听 Victoria Manganiello, partner
With a combined more than 20 years of experience, Victoria and Nicole founded Craftwork as a space to realize experimental projects across a diverse range of mediums. Their backgrounds span art, architecture, academia, design, engineering, museums, research, technology and science. Combining historical fascination with forward-looking materiality, their skills in traditional textile crafts with emerging technologies bring together large-scale, dynamic projects with a variety of partners and contributors.
Cultivating Cultural Cooperation: Bridging Boundaries Through Collaborative Environments
厂辫别补办别谤:听Hippie Hacker
Tuesday, April 2, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract:听The term 鈥渋nternational cultural cooperation鈥 refers to formalized collaborations that involve cultural actors across national boundaries, and aim at disseminating knowledge, culture, and artworks. The actors involved are many and diverse.
In some countries, departments in foreign ministries and embassies are specifically dedicated to cultural cooperation, whilst in others, this task is sometimes conducted by private foundations, educational or cultural institutions, as well as by NGOs.
Join Hippie as we explore cultural cooperation beyond the open source ecosystem. Learn how we can help strengthen ties across projects and integrate contribution styles, discover common norms, share conventions as templates, and foster know-how exchanges and to favor the circulation of ideas. Some highlighted projects will include the K8s Conformance Program, the Infrastructure of Kubernetes, and the collaborative environment that helps get our eyes all on the same page.
Bio:听Hippie Hacker has been working on collaborative technologies since the early 90s. Trying to help get our eyes onto the same page (sometimes literally the same 鈥渨ebpage鈥).
Hippie runs听ii.nz, a consulting organization with a focus on bringing cooperative innovations beyond industry and into community efforts and education. He鈥檚 recently moved back to 糖心Vlog破解版 after 15 years to cross-pollinate some of those efforts and ideas with the local University and Startup communities.
Hippie鈥檚 career spans Director of IT for Computer Science at Texas Tech University, Security R&D in telecom and banking industry, bootable infrastructure for seagoing vessels and developing nations, and for the last decade with Open Source communites and conformance under the Linux Foundation / Cloud Native Compute Foundation.
Let鈥檚 PLAY! How the Principles of Improv Comedy Can Bring Possibility and Creativity to Your Work and Life
Speaker: Aaron Graham
Tuesday, March 19, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract:听Ready for some FUN? This dynamic, interactive workshop will introduce foundational principles of improvisational comedy, which you can immediately start using to say 鈥淵es, And鈥︹ to more possibilities in your work, school, and life.
Guided by experienced improviser, teacher, and coach Aaron Graham, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, participants will play some fun and easy improv games together that can help boost creativity, innovation, confidence, and teamwork. A facilitated discussion will highlight key takeaways.
No need to be funny or clever. Just show up as your brave, authentic self! The intention is to create a safe space for all participants to play in, take risks, and explore together. The workshop will be mostly 鈥渙n your feet鈥 (as you are able) with some movement involved. Comfortable street clothes are suggested.
Bio:听Aaron Graham, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, is a certified life and leadership coach, workshop facilitator, content developer 鈥 and recovering actor. He is passionate about helping people thrive as the fully authentic, empowered, and creative humans that they are.His coaching and training career spans diverse sectors from financial technology and banking to higher education and the arts. Aaron has worked with organizations such as Intuit Mint, Quickbooks and TurboTax, Capital One, Northwestern University鈥檚 McCormick School of Engineering, Broward College, and Chicago鈥檚 world-famous improv comedy school The Second City, where he was a faculty member for over a decade.听
Aaron earned his BA from Cornell University and his coaching credentials from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Originally from Chicago, he now lives in 糖心Vlog破解版 and loves hiking, drawing, writing, NASA, making music, and creating connections.听
Shape-shifting: From fundamental mechanics to adaptable cities
厂辫别补办别谤:听Lucia Stein-Montalvo听
Wednesday, March 13, 10:30am - 11:30am MT
Abstract:听The rapid pace of urbanization is intertwined with urgent threats to the well-being of humans and the broader environment, including rising temperatures, high levels of contaminants, and altered precipitation patterns. Meanwhile, the built environment consists primarily of stationary structures, requiring substantial energy input for cooling and other interventions 鈥 resources that remain inaccessible to much of the world鈥檚 population. Addressing these pressing challenges demands sustainable designs, that respond to changing environmental conditions to preserve the comfort and safety of urban inhabitants. The nonlinear mechanics of slender structures offer an approach by guiding the design of shape-shifting systems, capable of adopting different configurations on demand, or in response to a stimulus. In this seminar, I present fundamental insights into deformations and instabilities of plates and shells that can enable such technologies. I will also demonstrate how controllably buckling structures based on kirigami (鈥渃ut paper鈥) can improve ventilation in urban spaces, and how circumferential buckling of confined, thin sheets form the basis of a testbed for human-architecture interaction.
Bio:听Lucia Stein-Montalvo is a Presidential Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, and a B.S. in Mathematics, with a minor in Hispanic Studies, from Davidson College. Her research uncovers fundamental findings about the nonlinear mechanics and instabilities of slender structures 鈥 i.e. 鈥渟hape-shifting鈥 鈥 and connects them with the need for adaptive architectural designs, to create solutions to the urgent, global problems brought by climate change and urbanization. Dr. Stein-Montalvo鈥檚 postdoctoral work has been supported by the Presidential Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, the Mistletoe Research Fellowship (2022-2023), the Princeton SEAS Innovation Grant (2023-2024), and the CreativeX Grant (2023-2024). She was selected for the Rising Stars in Mechanical Engineering Workshop, organized by Stanford University in 2019.
The use of AI in management and entrepreneurial contexts, especially in strategic decision-making
厂辫别补办别谤:听Daniel Lupp
Tuesday, March 12, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Bio: I鈥檓 a research associate and a PhD student at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany at the chair of Uta Wilkens. Since I will spend a research stay at the ATLAS Institute from March 4th to May 15th. I鈥檓 interested in how people interact with equivocal technologies in organizational contexts and the strategies they pursue in enacting them to co-create value. My current research projects focus on the use of AI in entrepreneurial and managerial decision-making and how organizations ensure human-centered AI work designs. If you鈥檙e interested, here鈥檚 a link to two of my recent articles: and
Edge AI-enhanced resource-limited systems: From robotics to bioelectronics
Speaker: Yayun Du听
Monday, March 11,听11:30am - 12:30am MT
Abstract:听In an era where efficiency and precision are paramount, Edge AI emerges as a transformative force, particularly in resource-limited systems spanning robotics and bioelectronics. This talk delves into the integration of AI at the edge, where computational constraints are balanced with the need for real-time processing and autonomy. Drawing from my extensive research in autonomous robotics and wearable technologies, I will showcase innovative strategies for embedding AI directly into devices, enabling them to operate independently of extensive infrastructure and perform complex tasks with minimal energy consumption. By equipping robots with edge AI, we unlock new potentials in precision agriculture, where robots can make on-the-spot decisions for crop management, leading to sustainable practices and enhanced productivity. I will also present cutting-edge developments in bioelectronic devices, highlighting how Edge AI allows for sophisticated health monitoring and disease prediction with unprecedented accuracy and speed. Through case studies and my contributions to the field, I will outline the challenges and breakthroughs in hardware and software development including AI algorithms optimized for edge deployment. This discussion will also cover the ethical considerations and potential societal impacts of such technologies. Ultimately, this talk will paint a comprehensive picture of seamless human-robot interaction through the combination of advancing robotics and bioelectronics, offering insights into future directions and the vast potential of these intertwined disciplines.
Bio:听Dr. Yayun Du is a postdoctoral fellow in the Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics at Northwestern University under the supervision of Prof. John Rogers. She obtained her Ph.D. degree in Robotics and Control from University of California Los Angeles in 2022. In 2021, she was also awarded 鈥淢IT Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Rising Star鈥. Her patented autonomous agricultural robot was a finalist for two Best Paper Awards at International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2021. Her interdisciplinary research intersects robotics, control, bioelectronics, and machine learning, focusing on edge computing-enhanced bio-inspired robotic locomotion, autonomous agricultural robots, and low-power wearable healthmonitoring devices for disease detection.
听
Computational Fabrication and Assembly for In Situ Manufacturing
Speaker:听Martin Nisser听
Thursday, March 7, 2:30pm - 3:30pm MT
Abstract:听The space environment is remote and unpredictable, and the ability to manufacture in situ offers unique opportunities to address new challenges as they arise. However, the challenges faced in space are often mirrored on Earth. In hospitals, disaster zones, low resource environments and laboratories, the ability to manufacture customized artefacts at points of need can significantly enhance our ability to respond rapidly to unforeseen events. In this talk, I will introduce digital fabrication platforms with codeveloped software and hardware that draw on tools from robotics and human-computer interaction to automate manufacturing of customized artefacts at the point of need. Highlighting three research themes across fabrication machines, programmable materials, and modular assembly, the talk will cover a digital fabrication platform for producing functional robots, a method for programming magnetic material to selectively assemble, and a modular robotic platform for in-space assembly previously deployed in microgravity.
Bio:听Martin Nisser is a PhD Candidate in the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, working with Professor Stefanie Mueller. He holds degrees from MIT, ETH Zurich, and The University of Edinburgh, and has interned and held staff appointments at The European Space Agency, Tesla Motors, Harvard University, and the Boston Dynamics AI Institute. He is a Sweden-America fellow, a Bernard Gold fellow, and his work has appeared in media including BBC News, The NBC Daily Show, The Washington Post, NASA TV, and Popular Science.
Understanding and reducing biased and harmful outcomes in generative AI
厂辫别补办别谤:听Annika Muehlbradt
Tuesday, March 5, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract: As is now widely understood, generative AI has the capacity to create harm and amplify bias. Outputs, a generative AI model鈥檚 response to a prompt, can be affected by datasets, taxonomies (hierarchies of information), and metadata (descriptions or information accompanying data). Generative models must 鈥渓earn鈥 how to use these data in ways that aren鈥檛 harmful. This talk will discuss minimizing exposure to harmful and offensive content and ensuring diverse representation of people, cultures, and identities in generative AI. We will talk about the impact of our decisions on people from historically underinvested communities and what goes into doing this work at scale.
Bio:听Annika Muehlbradt is an Experience Researcher at the Product Equity team at Adobe, Annika received a Bachelor of Science in computer science and applied computing technology from Colorado State University, and a PhD in Computer Science from 糖心Vlog破解版 in 2022. Prior to joining CU 糖心Vlog破解版 in 2016, she spent five years in industry, where she worked on a variety of software and product development projects ranging from virtual desktop solutions to accelerated graphics processing technologies. Annika鈥檚 research interests include digital modeling and fabrication, mobile and wearable computing, and interaction design.
POWER ON: Towards Ethical, Responsible, and Socially Just Robot Design
厂辫别补办别谤:听Tom Williams
Monday, March 4, 12:30pm - 1:30pm MT
Abstract:听Social robots are seeing widespread success in domains like education and eldercare. Yet these robots also present a wide range of new ethical challenges, due to the ways that robots interact with existing power structures. In this work, I show how the Matrix of Domination from Black Feminist Thought can help us to better understand the types of power that roboticists wield, the ways that current robotics practices reinforce White Supremacist and Patriarchal power structures, and the ways that roboticists could instead subvert those power structures through feminist robot design paradigms. To explore these questions, this talk will explore a highly interdisciplinary research landscape that infuses artificial intelligence and robotics research with insights from cognitive, moral, and human factors psychology; moral philosophy; philosophy of mind; American history; literary studies; feminist studies; augmented reality; brain-computer interfaces; and design research.
Bio:听Tom Williams is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Colorado School of Mines, where he directs the Mines Interactive Robotics Research Lab, and where he has received several university-level awards both for his scholarship and for undergraduate mentoring. Prior to joining Mines, Tom earned a joint PhD in Computer Science and Cognitive Science from Tufts University in 2017. Tom鈥檚 research, which is funded in part by grants from NSF, ONR, AFOSR, ARL, and NASA (including Early Career grants from NSF, NASA, and the US Air Force), seeks to understand how we can more effectively design interactive robots, and how we can do so in a way that subverts rather than reinforce inequitable power structures. Tom recently completed a book for MIT press on subverting White Patriarchal Power in robotics, and is currently serving as program chair for the ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction.
Programmable nanoscience? Borrowing from biology for designer nanophotonics
Speaker: Stacy Copp
Thursday, February 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm MT
Abstract: Nanoscale materials that make and manipulate light are essential for modern human societies, from biomedical diagnostics to solar energy technologies. Yet despite the centrality of materials innovations for technology, the process of discovering new materials still largely relies on inefficient intuition-guided screening. In this talk, I will share my vision for a programmable design platform for photonic nanomaterials, inspired by Nature鈥檚 rules. We borrow the sequence-programmed molecule, DNA, as a scaffold for nanomaterials whose structures and properties can be designed by controlling DNA sequence. By using DNA to template the growth of tiny silver nanoclusters, together with machine-learning guided design, we are creating new programmable fluorophores to enable deep-tissue biomedical imaging. DNA-programmed assembly of metal ions and metal nanoclusters can also be used to build custom nanoscale devices to advance our understanding of processes relevant for bioelectronics and energy harvesting. Finally, we are developing bioinspired polymer-scaffolded nanomaterials to advance technologies for making and manipulating light. By learning from and borrowing from Nature, we envision a new future for materials design. 听听
Bio:听Stacy Copp is an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, with joint appointments in Physics and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Copp received a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Arizona (2011) and a PhD in Physics from UC Santa Barbara (2016). She held a Hoffman Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship and L'Oreal USA for Women in Science Fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory, before joining UC Irvine in 2019. At UC Irvine, she leads the Molecular Nanomaterials Lab, whose mission is to harness DNA and synthetic block polymers as programmable building blocks for nanoscale materials. Copp has pioneered machine learning approaches to DNA nanomaterials design, including the discovery of DNA-templated silver nanoclusters with sequence-selected atomic sizes and fluorescence colors. Her research has been recognized by recent awards such as the Hellman Faculty Fellowship, Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Award, UC Irvine School of Engineering Early Career Research Excellence Award, and the Samueli Faculty Development Chair.
Beyond Counting Steps: From Recording to Classification of Human Activities with Sensor-Based Wearable Data
厂辫别补办别谤:听Alex H枚lzemann
Tuesday, February 27, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract:听听The rise of fitness trackers has brought activity recognition into the hands of millions. Fueled by this growing interest and scientific advancements, the past two decades have witnessed remarkable progress in this field. However, challenges remain from data collection and preparation to model building and classification, each step presenting hurdles.听
In this talk, Alexander Hoelzemann will address this very topic, diving into key aspects of his research. He'll begin by introducing a self-developed open-source recording system for large-scale data collection. Next, he will present the pros and cons of different annotation methods used in real-world settings. Further, he will introduce the Hang-Time HAR dataset, developed in collaboration with Prof. Qin Lv from CU 糖心Vlog破解版鈥 a comprehensive Basketball Activity Dataset. This will lead to a discussion on the possibilities and limitations of transfer learning techniques applied to wearable sensor data. 听听
Bio:听Alexander Hoelzemann is a Ph.D. candidate at Kristof Van Laerhoven鈥檚 Ubiquitous Computing Lab at the University of Siegen in Germany, expecting to complete his Computer Science degree in 2024. His research applies machine learning to human activity recognition using wearable sensor data. Specifically, Alexander has expertise in deep learning techniques including transfer learning and data augmentation for preprocessing inertial sensor streams. Through published contributions, he has advanced activity recognition capabilities in areas such as wrist-worn sensors for tracking basketball motions and self-annotation of wearable sensor data. Alexander has published activity recognition papers in top Ubiquitous Computing venues including UbiComp, ISWC, PerCom, and related journals. In addition to his research skills, he has professional experience as a lecturer, research assistant, and software developer. Since 2018, he has taught university seminars focused on data science and machine learning. He volunteers in leadership roles for major academic conferences, including Student Volunteer Chair for UbiComp 2020, Web Chair for UbiComp 2023, and General Chair for WellComp 2023.
Digital Skins
Speaker: Philip Vernon
Tuesday, February 20, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract:听Some of the most imaginative spatial thinking is done in the context of computer games and animation graphics. 听Realistic renderings of 3D models are possible toddy by controlling the surface via digital sculpting, painting and texturing. 听Still, physical construction of the same designs are made manually, with surface details sculpted and painted by hand.听
3D printing promised to close this gap, but current 3D printing techniques do not achieve the necessary resolution. 听Not only that, most current techniques pose environmental and durability challenges.
I will present my efforts to address this issue using printed digital skins, wax molds and a variety of techniques that I believe will impact the production of high-definition of digital models in design, historic preservation, and themed environments.
Bio:听Philip Vernon received his Bachelors of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has focused on digital fabrication. 听For 10 years he worked in Shanghai building work for practices like Zaha Hadid, Gensler, and Disney Imagineering. 听In 2023 he started Digital Environment Construction to digitize the next generation of theme-parks.
Edge Machine Learning: Possibilities and Creative Uses
Speaker: Shawn Hymel
Tuesday, February 13, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract:听Generative AI, like ChatGPT and DALL-E, is all the rage right now, but AI goes way beyond turning phrases into pictures. Edge AI (and its subset, tiny machine learning) is the process of running AI algorithms on edge devices, such as smartphones, wearables, single board computers, and embedded systems. The process to run such algorithms on resource-constrained devices is tricky, as it requires accurately scoping the problem and optimizing the algorithm, code, and hardware.
This talk will cover why running AI on small devices is a good idea along with some pitfalls. Much of edge machine learning (ML) focuses on solving technical problems related to bandwidth, latency, energy usage, reliability, and privacy. However, edge ML has enabled some incredibly creative projects, including magic wands, homemade smart speakers, and artificial noses that make perfect toast. Recommendations on getting started with edge ML will be provided.
Bio:听Shawn is a machine learning DevRel engineer, instructor, and university program manager at Edge Impulse. He creates compelling technical videos, courses, and workshops around edge machine learning that inspire engineers of all skill levels. Shawn is an advocate for enriching education through STEM and believes that the best marketing comes from teaching. He can be found giving talks, running workshops, and swing dancing in his free time.
Supportive Soft Robotic Surfaces: Soft Fascination and Nature-Inspired Design, Self-soothing Behavior Interventions, and Environmental Fidgets
Speaker: Elena Sabinson
Tuesday, February 6, 11:30am - 12:30am MT
Abstract:听Elena Sabinson will present their work on soft robotic surfaces to support mental wellbeing. The talk will discuss the design and evaluation of a novel cyber-physical system that helps users regulate their emotions through guided breathing exercises, simulating soothing ocean wave movement for a restorative effect, and providing biofeedback from plant and human bio-signals to promote a connection with nature. The talk will also touch upon themes related to neurodiversity and design, and discuss how emerging technologies might play a role in supporting divergent sensory and emotional experiences.
Bio:听Elena Sabinson is an Assistant Professor in the Program of Environmental Design at the 糖心Vlog破解版. Elena is a design researcher whose work spans the intersections of design, psychology, and emerging technologies. Their doctoral research in Human Behavior & Design, was completed in the Architectural Robotics Lab at Cornell University, where Elena developed bio-informed, soft robotic surfaces embedded in the environment to support emotional wellbeing. As a neurodivergent researcher, Elena is passionate about neurodiversity and design, and conducts research through the Neuro.D Lab, which strives to help all people flourish in the environment across the full spectrum of human experiences.
Will our human biology & anthropology be the root cause of serious issues in the coming age of AI
Speaker: Dan Lubar
Tuesday, January 30, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract:听Our Colloquium today will be to have a wide-ranging discussion after 5 to 8 contextual PowerPoint slides.
Our question of today鈥檚 wide-ranging discussion?
Will our human physiology give rise to a 鈥渒neeing out鈥 of our species鈥 ability to be effective when it comes to safeguarding our world, & supporting our future in the coming Information Age? ..or put more simply: Are our 鈥渉uman frailties鈥 destined to become a serious liability for our species in our collective future, as rapid & accelerating change becomes the norm?
A). 听We鈥檒l start by discussing 1 or 2 stark realities of the current world鈥檚 鈥渟tate of play鈥 & offer some 鈥渁ll-important鈥 context of the same.
B). We鈥檒l also talk through a few examples from the recent past to further illustrate what we鈥檙e 鈥渦p against鈥濃攁nd conclude w/info about a few of the miracles 鈥渨aiting in the wings鈥 to help save us from ourselves.
C). Finally, we鈥檒l work to finish our discussion by asking what, if any, actionable conclusions one can draw from what the emerging "new normal" may require of us!
SOME DETAILS FOR OUR DISCUSSIONS.
Dan will be working to guide discussions towards some realities that have been visible for some time, and then try to 鈥済round鈥 what is ahead in things such as 鈥渧alue creations鈥 or the difficult challenges or "gating factors" that may be a way forward to improving humanity's uncertain future.
We all need to try to keep our human frailties in check so we can support getting to some form of a 鈥渟hared point of view鈥 on these new realities ahead.
Dan says he might require starting to use Robert鈥檚 Rules of Order should they be needed. :-)
Bio:听Dan Lubar, an Electrical Engineer & long-time active member of the IEEE, 鈥済et鈥檚 it鈥 when it comes to how important tech policy, governance, & cross-disciplinary knowledge & design practices are to assuring a better human future. Dan knows his way around inside the Washington DC Beltway, and also inside of large Int鈥檒 Standards development meetings too. He also has 1st hand experience on how Regulatory forces --both globally & locally--can sometimes help or hurt both big & small innovators alike! Bitten by the "entrepreneur bug鈥 about 30 years ago, Dan has become a big fan of human-centered design, innovation, & long-term business model sustainability, and he thinks of himself as an 鈥渆ngineer practitioner鈥 with a number of careers in specific technical disciplines behind him.. such as: 听Software & Hardware Engineering Design (better known as "programming down to the bare metal"), removable data storage sub-systems, 听Institutional Investment & Finance, International Technical Standards Development, and experience building real-world Digital infrastructure, ..just to name a few.
Supporting Collaboration Using Mobile Spatial Computing and Cross-Reality Interactions
Speaker: Rishi Vanukuru
Tuesday, January 23, 11:30am - 12:30pm MT
Abstract: 听Collaboration and Spatial Interaction are key amplifiers of human creativity. Recent advances in Mixed Reality and networking technologies have enabled more immersive forms of remote collaboration, but these are still far from widespread access and adoption. In this talk, we will discuss ongoing research toward designing mobile-based Augmented Reality prototypes that support remote work and creative practices. Building upon these prototypes, we will go over the development of cross-device, cross-reality ecosystems for collaboration, where mobile devices are the connecting interface between the desktop computing paradigm of today and the head-worn spatial computing systems of the future. Through these efforts, we hope to design systems that better support spatial collaboration, no matter where people are located, or what devices they have access to.
Bio:听Rishi Vanukuru is a PhD student at the ATLAS Institute, working in the ACME lab. Advised by Ellen Do, his research explores the design of interfaces that support spatial collaboration and creativity. Before joining ATLAS, Rishi completed an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, and a graduate degree in interaction design, both from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.