NSF Computing Research Infrastructure (CRI) Program:

National Science Foundation                                          City College of New York

Center of Perceptual Robotics, Intelligent Sensors and Machines (PRISM)

(under construction)

The multidisciplinary nature of intelligent robotics research requires collaborations among researchers with expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, wireless communication, advanced sensors and mechanical design. Robotics research and education at the City College of New York (CCNY) is currently scattered in several departments (EE, CS and ME) of the School of Engineering (SOE). The goal of the MII planning project (NSF grant No. CNS-0424539) and the newly awarded NSF CRI project (Grant No. CNS-0551598) is to establish a Center for Perceptual Robotics, Intelligent Sensors and Machines (PRISM) in order to enhance the comprehensive robotics research infrastructure and to group researchers together to carry out nationally competitive research in these fields.

Leveraging our previous research expertise of the team members (see below) in the related fields, the main theme of the planned PRISM Center we have identified in the next few years will be Robotized Intelligent SEnsor NETworks in 3D space (RISE-NET). Around this  theme, four research thrusts will be considered:

The PRISM center will be built upon three pillars: research, education, and outreach, and with the aim to become a center of excellence in cutting-edge research as well as a national urban model for minority education in robotics and related fields. This will be achieved through integration of research with coherent educational and outreach activities and through early recruiting and retention via affinity mentoring at all levels of education.

The education activities at the PRISM center include: introducing new courses with real research projects, reforming senior design courses around the RISE-NET theme, launching a student robotics club and robot design competition, and mentoring minority students in research projects. The PRISM center will further increase the cooperation with the NYC-LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation) program, New York Academy of Sciences’ Summer Research Training Program (SRTP), and NYC/NJ FIRST to carry out student nurturing activities and provide mentored research experience to minority students at CCNY, which ranks as one of the most diversified campuses in the U.S., with about 1/3 Hispanic and 1/3 Black. .


Current Team Members:

Co-Directors:
 Co-PIs:
 Senior Personnel: Steering Committee and Advisory Committee
 
Grant and Event Sponsors
Related Research Laboratories/Centers
Related Presentations
  1. Z. Zhu, J. Xiao, PRISM: Planning a Center for Perceptual Robotics, Intelligent Sensors and Machines at the City College of New York, 2005, NSF CISE/CNS Infrastructure PI Meeting, Siebel Center for Computer Science, Urbana, Illinois, July 25, 2005 
  2. Z. Zhu, J. Xiao, Pervasive Computing Experience in Planning a Center for Perceptual Robotics, Intelligent Sensors and Machine at CCNY, NSF CISE/CNS Pervasive Computing Infrastructure Experience Workshop, Siebel Center for Computer Science, Urbana, Illinois, July 27, 2005
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