CMU Robotics Institute: New Director on the Future of Robotics

A New Era for Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute

Following a two-year period of interim leadership, Professor Srinivasa Narasimhan will transition as Carnegie Mellon University prepares to welcome Matthew Johnson-Roberson as the sixth director of its esteemed Robotics Institute. Johnson-Roberson, a 2005 alumnus of CMU’s School of Computer Science, joins the institution after holding positions as an associate professor of engineering at the University of Michigan, spanning both the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Transitioning from Michigan and Future Research

Johnson-Roberson previously served as a co-director of the UM Ford Center for Autonomous Vehicles. He discussed his vision for the new role and his perspectives on the evolving landscape of robotic research during a recent conversation.

Currently based in Michigan with several students, he is engaged in robotic investigations. He expressed enthusiasm for his current work.

His focus at the University of Michigan has centered on long-term, exploratory research for Ford. While Ford and Argo are developing technologies for near-term deployment – potentially within the next few years – Johnson-Roberson’s team is investigating concepts further out, five to ten years from practical application. He highlighted the unique advantage of universities in pursuing such "blue sky" research, encompassing novel sensor development and advanced considerations of human prediction and safety protocols.

The Growing University-Industry Partnership Model

TC: You are presently working within the new Ford facility in Michigan?

MJR: Yes, I am here, along with some students. We are simply conducting robotic studies and enjoying the process.

What has been the primary focus of your work there?

The work encompasses a variety of areas, but it’s fundamentally long-range, exploratory research for Ford. They, along with Argo, are actively developing technologies slated for road deployment, ideally within the next six months to three years. Our team, however, is concentrating on concepts that are five to ten years away from real-world application. A key benefit of a university setting is the freedom to pursue this type of innovative, forward-thinking research, ranging from unconventional sensor technologies to in-depth analysis of human behavior prediction and robust safety assurances.

Do you anticipate the Ford/U of M collaboration becoming a prevalent model for university research?

This trend mirrors the significant evolution robotics has experienced over the past two decades. Many technologies initially developed in the 1990s and 2000s are now reaching maturity and being integrated into commercial products, profoundly impacting numerous industries. This naturally fosters closer relationships between universities and companies. Even considering Pittsburgh’s transformation from a heavy industry hub centered on natural resources and steel, this shift is expected to accelerate.

A key objective for me is to nurture existing relationships and forge new ones. This extends beyond industry to encompass government, policy, and other areas increasingly relevant to robotics. Ensuring we cultivate these connections and build upon the institute’s existing technical strengths is a priority.

Fostering Innovation and Talent

Pittsburgh boasts a thriving ecosystem of startups, alongside major corporations like Google establishing a presence to access research and recruit talent. How can CMU strengthen these relationships?

The recent establishment of a Waymo office in collaboration with a CMU professor demonstrates the growing synergy between academia and industry, benefiting both faculty and students. These companies rely on a continuous influx of highly skilled graduates, making recruitment and cultivating an attractive culture crucial. We observe companies co-locating, sponsoring research, and actively engaging with incoming students to foster both project development and relationship building. The university’s greatest asset is its annual influx of exceptionally talented individuals.

Will a part of your role involve supporting the growth of these startups within the university framework?

Absolutely. Having personally launched a startup, I recognize the significant knowledge gap and the immense potential within our student body. I believe a core aspect of my role is to empower these ambitious students to realize their visions. This includes fostering a supportive ecosystem with existing startups and a community where like-minded individuals can collaborate and innovate.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Considering the transformation occurring in Detroit, and recognizing that it may be less developed than Pittsburgh in fostering a startup community, what role can CMU play in retaining the talent it attracts to the region?

It’s vital to acknowledge the expanding opportunities within the robotics sector, which is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Remaining static is not an option. The industry, its surrounding ecosystem, and the scale of related companies are all undergoing rapid change. We must proactively adapt and facilitate this evolution.

Diversity and Inclusion in Robotics

Historically, robotics has lacked diversity. What steps can CMU take to address this issue? Do students typically enter CMU already focused on robotics?

I aim to make two lasting contributions during my tenure at CMU: increasing opportunities to broaden participation and representation within the field. Equally important, universities have a unique ability to shape the perspectives of young minds. I believe there is no better position to promote diversity and inclusion in robotics than at a leading research institution. This is where the next generation of roboticists is being cultivated.

Your own path serves as an example – you didn’t initially pursue robotics at CMU.

That’s correct. I’ll add that when I first arrived at CMU, I found myself surrounded by individuals who were intellectually superior. This challenging environment, however, didn’t deter me from pursuing robotics. It’s a testament to the supportive community that existed then and continues to thrive today.

The Future of Robotics

What aspects of robotics currently excite you the most?

We are at a pivotal moment for the widespread deployment of robotic systems in real-world environments. My vision is a future where, regardless of your location, you can look out your window and observe a robot performing a useful task. While robots are currently present in factories and some homes, I aspire to a future where their presence is ubiquitous and integrated into everyday life.