Autonomous vehicles

New research could let vehicles, robots collaborate with humansResearchers are developing systems that can analyze people’s needs to determine the best way to achieve their goals.

MIT ‘cheetah’ robot rivals running animals in efficiencyRobot’s custom-designed electric motors are powerful and efficient.

Autonomous robotic plane flies indoorsNew algorithms allow an autonomous robotic plane to dodge obstacles in a subterranean parking garage, without the use of GPS.

Autonomous robot scans ship hulls for minesAlgorithms enable robot to navigate and view propellers and other complex structures.

Mechanical engineers develop an ‘intelligent co-pilot’ for carsSemiautonomous system takes the wheel to keep drivers safe.

Guiding robot planes with hand gesturesMIT researchers are developing a system that would allow aircraft-carrier crews to direct autonomous planes using ordinary hand gestures.

Sometimes the quickest path is not a straight lineNew methods and software developed at MIT can predict optimal paths for automated underwater vehicles.

Helping robots hold onMIT researchers design a ‘controllable adhesion system’ for underwater robots.

Going with the flowBiomimetic pressure sensors help guide oceangoing vessels.

Navigating blindfoldedAdvanced mathematical techniques enable AUVs to survey large, complex and cluttered seascapes.

Using a phone to fly a dronePilotless planes at MIT controlled via iPhones in Seattle.

AUVs: From idea to implementationOne day, researchers predict, these robots will be able to do tasks without a human in the loop.

Inside the innards of a nuclear reactorTiny robots may monitor underground pipes for radioactive leaks.

‘Smart cars’ that are actually, well, smartMechanical engineers work to develop intelligent onboard transportation systems that can prevent car crashes.

Student design takes flightMIT students build an unmanned aircraft for MIT Lincoln Laboratory research

Emilio Frazzoli on autonomous vehicles and urban mobilityPresented by Transportation@MIT

3 Questions: Nicholas Roy on deploying drones in U.S. skiesMIT robotics expert discusses the logistical hurdles of regulating unmanned aircraft for civilian use.

Flight of fancyUsing an autonomous mini-helicopter, an MIT team stunned the Association for Unmanned Vehicles International by solving one of its notoriously tough challenges on the first try.