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 MRSD Alumni,
The excellence of our newsletter has continued to draw comment and attention, including from one of the SCS Corporate Partnership directors, Chris Kissell. I again thank the newsletter editorial team and all contributors, and look forward to clicking through the current and future issues.
If you’re interested in taking a look at the second edition of the MRSD software bootcamp, please send me your GitHub ID and I’ll give you access. Thanks for its further development go to two of my former MSR students, Dvij Kalaria and Shivesh Khaitan. We are continuing to refine it, and feedback from MRSD alumni based on your work experience is encouraged.
We welcomed a new MRSD cohort of 45 students in August, and we have the same number of students in the second-year cohort. The latter just wrapped up its FVD, FVD Encore, and Public Presentation, and everyone did a great job!
I’ll close by paying tribute once again to Dawei Wang’s accomplishments as an MRSD alumnus and his generous spirit. It was a great shock to learn of his passing in September; thanks to those who sent appreciations of Dawei and his impact, and thanks to Sida Wang for assembling an online memorial.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah,
John
Program Manager, MRSD
Welcome to the latest edition of our MRSD Newsletter! We are thrilled to reconnect with our vibrant community of innovators, engineers, and visionaries.
Regardless of the many developments across the world, the academic cycle keeps chugging along. The Class of 2025 just finished their team projects. They will now start job searching, while the Class of 2026 seeks summer internships. The Admissions Committee recently convened to start our two-month journey building the Class of 2027. MRSD pushes forward!
Whether you’re pioneering new technologies, mentoring the next generation, or simply staying connected, we celebrate your contributions and look forward to sharing your stories. Let’s continue to inspire and support each other as we shape the future of robotics together!
Best Wishes and Happy Holidays,
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
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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.
