Inside the BRAINS Lab, researchers are designing intelligent systems and algorithms that can perceive, reason, and interact in ways inspired by human cognition — ones that function effectively in real-world environments while improving their ability to interpret and respond to complex situations.
Dr. Noorbakhsh Amiri, assistant professor of computer science and director of the lab, said the work combines multiple fields to advance intelligent systems.
“The BRAINS Lab focuses on creating intelligent machines that can understand their surroundings and respond appropriately,” Amiri said. “Our work integrates computer vision, robotics, artificial intelligence and cognitive neuroscience to achieve this goal.”
Watch the Robot in Motion
Take a Robot…
BRAINS Lab uses a third-party robot to embody the systems and algorithms it designs. The humanoid robot, developed and designed by Unitree Robotics, is built with a humanlike structure that includes articulated limbs and joints. This design allows for coordinated movement and more natural physical interaction with the environment.
“The design mirrors the human body, enabling fluid movement and complex physical interactions,” Amiri said. “This structure provides the foundation for advanced perception and control systems.”
The mechanical system is supported by onboard computing and actuation systems that convert digital instructions into precise motion.
…And Give it a Brain
The robot collects environmental information using cameras, depth sensors and motion detectors. That data is processed through AI systems that allow it to interpret its surroundings and respond in real time.
“We provide the robot with an AI-driven cognitive system that allows it to assess its surroundings and determine the appropriate course of action,” Amiri said.
These systems enable the robot to carry out physical tasks such as walking, balancing and manipulating objects while adjusting to changes in its environment.
The integration of perception and control allows the robot to maintain stability and respond dynamically to external conditions.
Collaboration and Student Involvement
Collaboration is central to the BRAINS Lab, where students and faculty from computer science, engineering and psychology contribute to different stages of the research. Each group plays a role in developing, testing and refining robotic systems.
“Our research benefits from the diverse expertise of students and faculty alike,” Amiri said. “Undergraduate and graduate students gain experience applying theory to practical challenges.”
Students work directly with robotic platforms, testing algorithms, analyzing system behavior and refining performance through hands-on experimentation.
“They are actively engaged in testing algorithms and evaluating performance,” Amiri said.
The lab also emphasizes communication and teamwork across disciplines, reflecting the collaborative nature of robotics research.
“Students learn how to collaborate across disciplines and solve complex problems as a team,” he said.
Applications Across Industries
The humanoid robot has potential applications in healthcare, rehabilitation, and industrial environments. It could assist with patient care, support therapy, or help workers perform tasks requiring precision and consistency.
“The potential applications are extensive,” Amiri said. “In healthcare, robots could monitor and assist patients, while in industry, they could support human workers in tasks requiring precision and adaptability.”
These systems are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing them to operate in environments that are unpredictable or constantly changing.
Bridging Cognition and Robotics
For Amiri, the research focuses on connecting cognitive science principles with robotics to improve how machines learn and interact.
“The focus is on designing neurocognitive models and integrating them with robotic platforms,” he said.
By combining artificial intelligence, control systems, and mechanical engineering, the BRAINS Lab is developing robots capable of functioning as collaborative partners in real-world settings alongside humans.