Navigating Visual Perception in Robotics

In this episode, host Susan Kish speaks with Professor Margarita Chli, a leading figure in robotic vision and autonomous systems. As the head of the Vision for Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich and the University of Cyprus, Professor Chli discusses how her research enables drones to perceive and navigate complex environments. She delves into the challenges of developing vision systems for autonomous drones, the potential applications in areas like wildfire management and search and rescue, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing these technologies. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of dual-use technologies and the role of curiosity in scientific discovery. This episode offers insights into the cutting-edge work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and real-world applications.

Chapters

(00:26) Meet Professor Margarita Chli

(01:07) Understanding Vision in Robotics

(03:24) Challenges in Robotic Vision

(05:38) Swarm Robotics and Communication

(10:56) Hardware vs. Software in Robotics

(13:47) Drones in Warfare and Humanitarian Efforts

(17:54) The Future of Robotics and AI

(19:48) Personal Insights and Curiosities