Simple Languages For Complex Robots

Presented by:  Computer Science Faculty Candidate, Prof. Matthew Jadud
Date:  Monday, March 24, 2008
Time:  4:00 pm Alden Hall
Location:  Room 101

Lecture Abstract:

Today, turning off most computers involves pushing a button called "Start." Programming languages are every bit as unusable---it is rarely the case that simple things can be expressed with simple programs. As we move towards increasingly complex robotic applications, the complexity of the languages we use to program them will get in our way of writing robust, maintainable, and reliable software. In this talk, I will discuss the role of human-centered design and parallel-safe languages in the pursuit of my ultimate design goal of a robotic shortstop, one of the most active and challenging positions on a baseball diamond.