Machine Intelligence Laboratory, University of Florida
The Machine Intelligence Laboratory (MIL) at the University of Florida gives a synergistic environment solely dedicated to the study, research and development of intelligent autonomous robots. The students and faculties within the lab are doing research related to the theory and realization of machine intelligence, covering issues like machine learning, real-time computer vision, statistical modeling, robotics kinematics, autonomous vehicles, Tele-operation and human interfaces, robot and non-linear manipulation, computational intelligence, neural networks, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), and general robotics.
The MIL has many projects. Among them are its underwater unmanned vehicles, swarm robots, humanoid robots, the direct brain machine interfaces or BMI’s, Autonomous household robots, and the Micro-Air Vehicles (MAV’s).
Its SubjuGator, which is one of its underwater unmanned vehicles, holds the distinction of being the three-time and current champion of autonomous submarine of the AUVSI/ONR underwater contest.
Another project which the lab has undertaken was its MAV, or Micro Air Vehicles. The goals there were to develop basic research and technologies, allowing unprecedented capabilities for these MAVs and other small Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs). Here, the potential capabilities are being studied, such as the vehicles being used for search and rescue, tracking moving targets, assessing bomb damages, and identifying and localizing interesting ground structures. All of these are considered or can be dangerous for humans, and using these technologies could not only prove efficient but can also save human lives.
In 2005, the lab moved to the Center for Intelligent Machines and Robotics (CIMAR) in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. The move allowed them to streamline their efforts and at the same time made them more efficient.
