Howie Choset, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has been awarded the world’s “most prestigious” award in robotics.
The Robotics Industries Association, a trade group, announced Wednesday that Mr. Choset was selected for the 2019 Engelberger Robotics Award for Education, named for Joseph F. Engelberger, sometimes referred to as the “father of robotics.”
Mr. Choset was recognized for his work in creating CMU’s undergraduate robotics degree program, as well as his own research in multi-robot collaboration, surgery, manufacturing, infrastructure inspection and search and rescue.
“A key feature of Howie’s work is the ability to convert fundamental research into real-world applications with far-reaching societal impact,” Martial Hebert, director of CMU’s Robotics Institute, said in a prepared statement.
Mr. Choset, who holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, is widely known for snake-like robots after appearing on NBC’s “Tonight Show.” One of his snakebots even crawled up Jimmy Fallon’s leg.
That same robot was later used in Mexico City for a search-and-rescue mission to help earthquake victims.
“He has developed the skill to listen to what industry needs, predict where it could go, and then recruit the talent to solve these problems,” Mr. Hebert said.
Two other CMU winners have taken home this prize: Takeo Kanade and Red Whittaker.
Courtney Linder: clinder@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1707. Twitter: @LinderPG.
First Published: March 6, 2019, 5:26 p.m.
