A bi-annual read for the basement roboticists.
MRSD students sleep 30% less during the program MRSD students think that AGI will be achieved in <30 years ~70% of MRSD students would rather change the world than travel it for free MRSD students believe robots will be sold as commodities in the near future 5% of MRSD students have never got free food at CMU >70% of MRSD students think humanoids won't be in homes for next 20 years
Since its inception in 2011, the MRSD program has cultivated an extensive network of outstanding students, alumni, and faculty.
Program Director, MRSD
Dear friends,
Winter has descended again, and we have already gotten a bit of snow to surprise and maybe even delight current MRSD students who haven’t experienced it before. The 2025 MRSD Project teams did a great job in their FVD presentations. The students and Sarah planned a surprise celebration of my 10th anniversary as MRSD Director after the public presentation in early December, and that was a real delight. Thanks for the thoughtfulness of all who planned and participated in it and sent in remembrances!
Please, please strongly consider joining the newsletter team. Many (or at least more) hands will make light work, and the newsletter has been a fabulous addition to our online presence and sense of MRSD community. But we’re down to a very small number of people doing the work for it, so please let Sarah know if you’re willing and able!
Happy New Year,
Program Manager, MRSD
Greetings, MRSD Family!
I hope the newsletter finds you well as we step into a new season of growth and progress. Our newest alumni have been making meaningful contributions in the robotics industry for 6 months now. The Class of 2026 just completed their team projects and will embark on their final semester. The Class of 2027 is just starting their projects, as they are also searching for summer internship opportunities. Faculty and staff are knee-deep in the annual admissions process to create the Class of 2028. These milestones remind us of the incredible momentum within MRSD and the bright future we continue to build as a community.
This edition of the newsletter celebrates the achievements and milestones across our entire ecosystem: alumni forging new paths, students pushing boundaries in their projects, and faculty expanding opportunities for collaboration and innovation. The stories ahead reflect the strength of our community and the shared commitment that keeps MRSD moving forward. Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope these updates bring a sense of pride and connection as we continue shaping the future of robotics together.
With appreciation and enthusiasm,
Sarah
MRSD's changing the world, one robot at a time.
As an avid reader of Isaac Asimov as a kid, Rohan dreamed of a world with abundant resources, in which robots attend to our every need. Today he builds robots that could one day explore the icy terrains of Enceladus over 790 million miles away.
Read more about his journey from an immigrant student to working at the edge of humanity.
Past, present, and future of MRSD
Give back to the community!
Enjoyed a particular section? Have suggestions for the next edition? Want to get involved?
We’d love to hear from you! Fill the form below and let us know your thoughts.
Donate
Hello successful MRSD alum! We hope you know that you’re an inspiration to current MRSD students. If you’d like to see the program flourish, consider donating to the program. Feel free to reach out to Sarah Conte (program manager) if you have any specific questions.
