Plenary and Keynote Sessions

ICC Auditorium (Level 0)

Critical to the advancement of bionic technology that emulates or extends normal physiological function is the design of tissue-synthetic interfaces connecting the human body with electromechanics. In this talk, I describe research activities underway to advance mechanical and neural interfaces for the functional enhancement of bionic limb devices. I present novel prosthetic, orthotic and exoskeletal limbs that behave dynamically like their biological counterpart, peripheral neural interfaces that serve as an electrical interface with the external bionic limb, and novel osseointegration technology for the mechanical and neural transmission of the bionic device to the biological limb. Further, I present a digital nervous system designed to artificially control paralyzed musculature for the restoration of motor function for persons with limb pathology. Finally, critical areas of future research are discussed that must be advanced to step towards the next generation of bionic limb systems.

ICC Auditorium (Level 0) 

Things which seem strange and unacceptable to us today may become normal tomorrow.

For instance, can we get used to living with robots? and, they with us?

Or, is it too late even to ask such a question?

ICC Auditorium (Level 0)

Robot hardware is getting better and better, their perception improves on almost a daily basis, and their physical skills are advancing by leaps and bounds.  But robots are still almost as dumb as door knobs.  If we can make robots smarter we can make them easier to use, safer around people, and much more productive.  This talk will discuss our hopes for a future of smarter robots.