The current state-of-the-art in autonomous systems is very promising on two divergent fronts. The bodies, or machines and sensors, have become more and more sophisticated and capable. Meanwhile, the algorithms that collect and interpret behavior are increasingly fine-tuned. We plan to bring these two together through a series of 'moonshot' challenges that we will undertake in the coming years.
Moonshot #1: Explorers
Planetary, Underwater, and Space Explorers
- Robot mobility and teaming to navigate unknown and complex terrestrial environments
- Planetary science explorers surviving and operating remotely on land, in water, and in space
Moonshot #2: Guardians
Dynamic Event Monitors and First Responders
- Robot teams monitoring and responding to dynamic events (earthquakes, tsunamis, plumes, etc)
- Surveying, gathering, and distributing critical information, thus multiplying the effectiveness of human responders
Moonshot #3: Transformers
Swarms of Autonomous Robots Transforming Shapes and Functions
- In-space and on-surface deployment, construction, and assembly of complex structures (e.g., space telescopes, planetary habitats)
- Formation flying, self-assembly, and reconfiguration of autonomous swarms for science, observation, and communication
Moonshot #4: Transporters
Robotic Flying Ambulances and Delivery Drones
- Safe operation of flying ambulances and urban aerial mobility systems surviving all weather conditions
- Aerial delivery systems on Earth and Mars
Moonshot #5: Partners
Robots Helping and Entertaining People
- Butlers and nurses caring for the sick and elderly
- Entertainers and guides safely interacting with visitors
- Robots helping doctors perform surgery and improve recovery
- Assistive devices improving function, mobility, and quality of life
People
Director
Associate Directors
CAST Steering Committee
CAST Scientific Advisory Committee
Joel Burdick
Richard L. and Dorothy M. Hayman Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering
Chief Project Consultant
David Kremers
Visitor in Aerospace
Staff
Peggy C. Blue
Operations Manager
Jamie Meighen-Sei
Special Assistant to the Director of GALCIT & CAST
Robert Perkins
Content and Media Strategist
Trity Pourbahrami
Director of Communications
Stephanie Rider
Aerospace Research Laboratories Manager
News
A Gift of Autonomy
By: Caltech BreakthroughEngineers Taught a Drone to Herd Birds Away From Airports
By: Robert PerkinsCaltech Launches New Autonomous Systems Research Center
By: Robert PerkinsTeaching Machines How to Learn: An Interview with Animashree Anandkumar
By: Robert PerkinsTraining a Machine to Watch Soccer
Identifying dynamic player roles proves critical for understanding coordinated team behavior
By: Robert PerkinsCaltech Building Agile Humanoid Robot by Combining Legs With Thrusters
By: Evan Ackerman | IEEE SpectrumCaltech’s New CAST Facility Simulates Testing Environments for Drones, Robots, and Satellites
By: Nicole Zaro Stahl | TradelineCould Robots Save Us From Natural Disasters?
By: Valerie Hamilton | KQED
Sci-fi future beckons for autonomous systems
By: Susan Curtis | Physics World
Robots Get Humanlike Brains With Machine Learning and A.I.
By: David Nazar | PBSFacilities
Drone and Robotics Assembly Lab
Enclosed Aerodrome
Real Weather Wind Tunnel
Spacecraft Assembly and Simulation Facility
Membership
Corporations and industry members will play a key role in the development of CAST technologies and the new generations of autonomous systems. Through these partnerships and collaborations, industry members will help to bring the resulting products to market faster.
Memberships are available at different levels and include various benefits. Benefits may include first look into research progress and results, membership to CAST Corporate Advisory Board (CCAB), IP preferential terms, membership to Caltech Corporate Partners Program (CP²), among others.
For all membership levels, a portion of the membership fee may be eligible for a 1:2 dollar match program from the Stanback Fund. This can maximize the impact of your contribution.
Contact us if you are interested in collaborating with CAST and becoming a member to tap into the collective brainpower of one of the world’s leading research institutions. We will creatively collaborate to tailor the partnership that meets your specific needs and ensures maximum benefit.
Corporate Partnerships Officer
1200 East California Boulevard, MC 6-32
Pasadena, CA 91125
(626) 395-4503
palascaltech.edu
Innovation at Caltech
Get Involved
Your organization can engage in many ways with CAST’s faculty and researchers. To find out more details, please contact:
Corporate Partnerships Officer
1200 East California Boulevard, MC 6-32
Pasadena, CA 91125
(626) 395-4503
palascaltech.edu
Innovation at Caltech
Investment in people, programs, and infrastructure will be critical to ensure CAST continues to play a leadership role in their investigations and in furthering game-changing discoveries. Direct support to CAST impacts researchers and students in meaningful ways, allowing the freedom necessary to pursue unique research that has significant implications for science, engineering and humanity's future.
For more information on how you can partner with CAST in these efforts, please contact:
Director of Development, Engineering and Applied Science
1200 East California Boulevard, MC 5-32
Pasadena, CA 91125
(626) 395-2385
grinnellcaltech.edu
CAST Director
dirgalcitcaltech.edu
Special Assistant to the Director of GALCIT & CAST
1200 East California Boulevard, MC 105-50
Pasadena, CA 91125
(626) 395-2118
jamieseicaltech.edu
CAST is an interdisciplinary center with collaborating faculty and students from the following departments. For academic or admissions related inquiries, please visit:
The Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) is an endowed center. It was established through the generous support of Foster and Coco Stanback.
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125-8000, USA
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