Brian Williams

About

Prof. Williams' research concentrates on model based-autonomy -- the creation of long-lived autonomous systems that can explore, command, diagnose and repair themselves using fast, commonsense reasoning coupled to machine learning. Current research focuses on collaborative robotics and risk-bounded programming: Collaborative robotics extends model-based autonomy to robotic networks that cooperate under sea, on land, in the air and in space, on Earth and other planets. Risk-bounded programming embeds risk-sensitivity and commonsense within robotic explorers and everyday devices, by incorporating risk-bounded probabilistic reasoning within traditional embedded programming languages. Applications include annual robotic campaigns that explore deep sea volcanos in the Mediterranean and the arti