IAS Lecture: Fundamental Challenges in Robotics and Embodied AI

Ever wondered how robots can sense, act, and even “think” in the real world?

Tel Aviv University's Institute of Advanced Studies is pleased to welcome Professor Steven LaValle, Professor of Robotics and Mechanism Design at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy.

He is visiting Tel Aviv University as part of the Lowy Distinguished Guest Professors series 2025–2026.

The field of robotics is wildly exciting and rapidly gaining worldwide attention, yet it is often an enigma in terms of its scope and scientific foundations. Throughout the decades, it has been variously viewed as an application field of more mature disciplines such as computer science (AI, algorithms, machine learning) and mechanical engineering (kinematics, dynamics, nonlinear control).

In this Computer Science Colloquium lecture, Professor LaValle will argue that robotics has its own unique and growing scientific core, with deep questions and modeling challenges that should inspire new directions in computer science, engineering, and mathematics.

Professor LaValle will begin with a Turing-inspired perspective on robotics and embodied AI, presenting results that characterize the minimally sufficient amounts of sensing, actuation, and computation required to solve physical tasks.

Interspersed throughout the lecture will be insights from his three decades of research, produced in collaboration with many inspiring students, mentors, and collaborators.

When: November 2, 2025 | 11:00

Where: Check Point Building, Room 420

The lecture will be conducted in English and is open to the public.

The Institute of Advanced Studies at Tel Aviv University promotes academic excellence by hosting leading scholars from diverse fields worldwide.