Compositional Robotics: Mathematics and Tools (ICRA 2021 Workshop)
Motivation
In the last decade the research on embodied intelligence has observed important developments. While the complexity of robotic systems has dramatically increased, both from the perspective of the single robot design and the one of interacting multi-robot systems (e.g., autonomous vehicles and mobility systems), the design methods have not kept up.
The standard answer to dealing with complexity is exploiting compositionality, but
there are no well-established mathematical modeling and design tools that have the reach
for compositional analysis and design at the level of a complex robotic system.
The goal of this workshop is to integrate mathematical principles and practical tools for compositional robotics, with a focus on applied category theory as a meta-language to talk about compositionality.
LOGISTICS
Registration (optional): external page https://forms.gle/9v52EXgDFFGu3h9Q6
The workshop will happen on May 31st virtually (see schedule and external page official calendar below), on zoom at this external page link.
Breaks will happen on Gathertown (nothing to be downloaded, you can join via browser via this external page link). This space is shared with another workshop: make sure to follow the instructions once on the space.
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Session I: Mathematics and Tools for Compositionality
In the morning, researchers in Applied Category Theory (ACT) will provide tutorials to present an invitation to various aspects of compositionality, both at the theoretical and the practical level. In particular, Dr. Jonathan Lorand will teach Category Theory basics, Dr. David Spivak will introduce the audience to the concept of compositionality, Prof. John Baez will explain how the previously defined concepts can be used when modeling various types of systems, and Dr. Andrea Censi and Gioele Zardini will present the theory of co-design, taylored to autonomy.
Session II: Keynote Talks and Open Contributions
The afternoon session features two keynotes on the application of compositionality tools in robotics:
- Prof. Aaron Ames, Bren Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and Control and Dynamical Systems, California Institute of Technology.
- Prof. Daniel Koditschek, Alfred Fitler Moore Professor of Electrical & Systems Engineering, School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania. Prof. Koditschek confirmed that he will be assisted by Dr. Paul Gustafson (Wright State University) and Dr. Matthew Kvalheim (University of Pennsylvania).
Speakers are leading experts in their fields and have succesfully applied Category Theory and compositionality to real challenges in robotics. Finally, we plan for eight talk-slots for open submissions. Submissions should focus on mathematical perspectives (not limited to ACT) and applications of compositionality.
