Program Overview

Schedule - PDF

We have designed the schedule to maximize interaction between conference attendees. Relatively little time has been alloted for unidirectional communication through talks, which could theoretically be accomplished without travel. Podium presentations that have been included are intended to spur discussion and conversation during the unstructured periods that follow. Tutorials, tours, demos, sport and social events will provide additional opportunities for discussion and learning.

Plenary Speaker

Scott Delp, Stanford University - Insights from simulating gait dynamics and disorders

The plenary session will be held at Carnegie Music Hall, with about an hour of lecture and half an hour of questions and discussion. The event is free and open to the public. More details below.

Keynote Speakers

Andrew Schwartz - University of Pittsburgh - Recent progress toward high-performance neural prosthetics.
Emo Todorov - University of Washington - Dynamic optimization of behavior.
Jun-Ho Oh - Korea Adv. Inst. Science and Technology - Realization of biped walking on humanoid robot, Hubo II
William Warren - Brown University - Behavioral dynamics of visually-guided locomotion.

Keynote presentations will be held in Rashid Auditorium and will include 45 minutes of lecture and 15 minutes of discussion.

Podium Presentations

The schedule includes two types of podium presentations: 10 & 10 talks will have 10 minutes of presentation and at least 10 minutes of discussion. 5 & 0 talks are 5 minute lightning talks followed by a poster session that includes posters from all 5 & 0 presenters.

Poster Presentations

There will be three poster sessions, each lasting about 2 hours and featuring about 20 posters. Poster presenters will be provided with tables and outlets, and are encouraged to incorporate video and hardware elements into their presentations. We have worked to schedule topics that span days, so that presenters will be able to attend similarly themed posters in other sessions.

Tutorials

Simulation and Optimization Tutorial - Tom Erez, Yuval Tassa, and Emo Todorov will be leading a tutorial on MuJoCo, a physics engine built for control optimization. The tutorial will likely include 45 minutes of lecture in Rashid Auditorium followed by 75 minutes of team exercises on the 6th floor of Gates-Hillman Center. To participate, please bring a laptop with Matlab installed (32 or 64 bit versions both OK).

Musculoskeletal Simulation Tutorial - Ajay Seth, Daniel Jacobs, Chris Dembia, and Scott Delp will be leading a tutorial on OpenSim, a free software system that lets users develop models of musculoskeletal structures and create dynamic simulations of movement. The tutorial will likely include 45 minutes of lecture in Rashid Auditorium followed by 75 minutes of team exercises on the 6th floor of Gates-Hillman Center.

Tours and Demonstrations

During Lunch+ on Monday and Wednesday, the organizers and other groups on campus will offer tours of their laboratories. On Thursday afternoon, a fleet of humanoids and rehabilitation platforms will be on display in a public event. Participants are encouraged to bring hardware for this demonstration.

Social Events

Casual Welcome Dinner - map - Festivities will start around 6:00 on Sunday at host Chris Atkeson's place. Food and drinks will be served. Stop by and say hello when you get into town.

Study Hall - Tutorials will be followed on Monday evening by an undergraduate-style study hall, including pizza and beer, on the 6th floor of Gates. There, participants can continue their exploration of tutorial software with help from session leaders.

Plenary Reception at Carnegie Museum - map - The standing reception will begin around 6:00 on Tuesday in the Foyer of the Carnegie Museum of Art. Dynamic Walking participants will be able to view the excellent dinosaur exhibit and perhaps discuss locomotion challenges for the largest terrestrial animals in Earth's history. The plenary lecture will begin at about 8:00 in Carnegie Music Hall on the West end of the building. The lecture will be advertised and open to the public.

Schenley Park Barbecue - map - Festivities will start around 6:30 on Wednesday at the Vietnam Veteran's Pavilion in Schenley Park. The menu includes typical BBQ fare, good beer, and vegan-friendly items. It's a 15 minute walk from Gates. Just up the hill is a quiet spot with a nice view of the city.

Dinner in the 'Burgh - map - From around 7:00 until 10:00 on Thursday evening, trolleys will shuttle between campus and the Downtown and Shadyside neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Participants are encouraged to make plans and reservations on their own. Some of our favorite restaurants are listed on the venue page.