Robohub.org
 

Todd Murphey: Active Learning in Robot Motion Control | CMU RI Seminar


by
27 April 2019



share this:

Link to video on YouTube

Abstract: “Motion motivated by information needs can be found throughout natural systems, yet there is comparatively little work in robotics on analyzing and synthesizing motion for information. Instead, engineering analysis of robots and animal motion typically depends on defining objectives and rewards in terms of states and errors on states. This is how we formulate optimal control objectives, learning-based reward functions, and goals for sample-based planning. Sometimes coverage algorithms are used to manage the collection of data, distributing sensors across a domain, but often without explicitly reasoning about where useful information is likely to be present. This talk will focus on situations where motion is used for information, either obtaining information or communicating information. Ergodicity provides one means for relating a trajectory to information content, and I will talk about settings both in animal behavior and in physical Human-Robot Interaction where movement appears to be ergodic. These information-based analysis tools can also be used to synthesize motion, connecting control decisions to learning needs—a form of active learning. Examples from biology, vision-based tracking, and contact-based sensing will serve as examples throughout the talk.”




John Payne

            AUAI is supported by:



Subscribe to Robohub newsletter on substack



Related posts :

AI brings object-level vision prosthetics closer to reality

  23 Jun 2026
Researchers are developing AI models that could one day enable vision prosthetics able to restore meaningful, object-level sight for the blind.

AURA Foresight Reaches Global XPRIZE Wildfire Finals in Alaska

  19 Jun 2026
One of only four teams remaining from more than 130 competitors worldwide, our team AURA Foresight is developing autonomous technology to stop wildfires before they grow out of control. AURA Foresi...

Robot Talk Episode 161 – Collaborative haptic systems, with Allison Okamura

  19 Jun 2026
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Allison Okamura from Stanford University about developing advanced robotic systems for haptic (touch) interaction.

New research enables a robot to chart a better course

  17 Jun 2026
By rapidly generating a smooth path plan that cuts travel time and avoids obstacles, the open-source “MIGHTY” system could streamline disaster recovery and parcel delivery.

Entangled robotic matter with cohesive motion

  15 Jun 2026
Engineers have developed a robotic collective that behaves less like a machine and more like a material that flows.

Robot Talk Episode 160 – Robotic blacksmiths, with Edward Mehr

  12 Jun 2026
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Edward Mehr from Machina Labs about their RoboCraftsman that shapes complex metal parts for the aerospace, defence, and automotive industries.

Congratulations to the #AAMAS2026 best paper award winners

  08 Jun 2026
Find out who won in the categories of best paper, best student paper, and best blue sky paper.

Robot Talk Episode 159 – Robot sensing and manipulation, with Maria Koskinopoulou

  05 Jun 2026
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Maria Koskinopoulou from Heriot-Watt University about autonomous robotic manipulators for surgery, industry, and beyond.



AUAI is supported by:







Subscribe to Robohub newsletter on substack




 















©2026.05 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence