The Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) pursues fundamental research across the entire breadth of computer science and artificial intelligence. CSAIL is committed to leading the field both in new theoretical approaches and in the creation of applications that have broad societal impact.
Current research activities span four principal areas:
Artificial Intelligence includes studies in core AI, machine learning, robotics, medical applications, artificial-life, and molecular and cellular biology. Recent work has focused on understanding molecular dynamics and using it to design better drugs, and understanding the gene regulatory mechanisms within cells. CSAIL is also pioneering new techniques in biosynthesis—genetically engineering cells to gain digital control of protein production for a host of applications.
Human/Computer Intelligent Interfaces includes graphics, natural language, speech, and vision. The aim is to construct programs and machines that have greater sensory and cognitive capabilities so that they can communicate with people toward useful ends. In vision, real-time computing is now practical in areas such as image-guided surgery, image database and movie browsing, and continuous activity monitoring. Other work is underway on practical natural language systems to interface to the web and intelligent environments. CSAIL hosts the World Wide Web Consortium and contributes to its development of the semantic web.
Systems involves architecture, compilers, languages, networks, and software engineering. The goal is to understand principles—and develop technologies—for the creation and use of highly scalable information infrastructures that interconnect human-operated and autonomous computers. CSAIL research is also directed toward improving the performance, reliability, availability, and security of computer software by improving the methods used for its creation.
Theory involves algorithms, applied computing, complexity theory, cryptography, distributed systems, and supercomputing, with emphasis on the theoretical underpinnings of computer science and information technology. Building computational theories that integrate vision, language, and learning is a key step toward the understanding of higher brain function.
CSAIL encourages student participation in its research projects. Undergraduates may become involved through UROP, and research assistantships are available to graduate students. CSAIL graduate students are typically enrolled in the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Mathematics, and Linguistics and Philosophy.