Keynotes

Dr. Takeo Kanade

U.A. and Helen Whitaker Professor, Carnegie Mellon University

Bio

From his early work on face recognition, to the 3D imaging techniques he developed for the 2001 Super Bowl broadcast, to his work on computer-assisted surgical systems for hip replacement, Dr. Takeo Kanade is one of the world’s foremost researchers in computer vision and robotics. He has made important contributions in a number of areas, ranging from foundational theoretical advances to innovative devices and algorithms—including techniques for facial expression analysis that can spot minute details and changes.

Kanade pioneered key techniques in motion analysis, introducing a fundamental algorithm for tracking image patches through a video sequence, opening the door for modern tracking and compression technologies. He also developed the concept of “virtualized reality” in which several images of an event taken from various vantage points are combined into a coherent model which can be then be used to create novel views of the scene from any desired viewpoint.

Kanade’s innovations in robotic vision have been incorporated into several autonomous robots, including human-face recognition, a driverless car, biological live cell tracking through a microscope and an autonomous helicopter.

Along with many other honors, Dr. Kanade received the 2016 Kyoto Prize, Japan's highest private award for global achievement.

[Portions courtesy of the Inamori Foundation.]

Think Like an Amateur, Do As an Expert: Lessons from a Career in Computer Vision

Keynote details

Dr. Takeo Kanade will share his experiences and lessons learned in developing a vast range of pioneering computer vision systems and autonomous robots, including face recognition, autonomously-driven cars, computer-assisted surgical robots, robot helicopters, biological live cell tracking and a system for sports broadcasts.

Most researchers, when asked their fondest desire, respond that they want to do good research. If asked what constitutes “good research,” they often find it difficult to give a clear answer. For Dr. Kanade, good research derives from solving real-world problems, delivering useful results to society. “Think like an amateur, do as an expert” is his research motto: When conceptualizing a problem and its possible solution, think simply and openly, as a novice in that field, without preconceived notions. When implementing a solution, on the other hand, do so thoroughly, meticulously and with expert skill.

In his research projects, Dr. Kanade has met and worked with people from diverse backgrounds, and has encountered many challenges. While exploring the technical side of some of his most important projects, he will also describe experiences that highlight the enjoyable aspects of a researcher’s life—those that have occurred accidentally or inevitably as his “Think like an amateur, do as an expert” approach has guided his interactions with problems and people.

Dean Kamen

Founder, DEKA Research and Development

Bio

Dean Kamen is an innovator, but not just of things. He hopes to revolutionize attitudes, quality of life and awareness. While an undergraduate, Kamen developed the first portable infusion device, which delivers drug treatments that once required round-the-clock hospital care. And, through DEKA Research and Development, which he founded in 1982, he developed a portable dialysis machine, a vascular stent and the iBOT, a motorized wheelchair that climbs stairs.

Kamen is a huge believer in education, and in 1989 established the nonprofit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to inspire teenagers to pursue careers in science and technology. FIRST sponsors lively annual competitions, where students form teams to create the best robot.

Two of Kamen’s current projects will require extensive use of computer vision. In the first project, Kamen’s team at DEKA Research and Development is creating their next-generation agile wheelchair. In the second project, Kamen’s Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute aims to enable the large-scale manufacturing of engineered tissues and tissue-related technologies, with the eventual goal of mass-producing replacement organs for humans. “The only difference between science fiction and science is timing,” Kamen says.

From Mobility to Medicine: Vision Enables the Next Generation of Innovation

Keynote details

In this presentation, legendary inventor Dean Kamen will explain why he believes the time is right for computer vision to be used everywhere. In Kamen’s work, feedback control systems are central. For example, the Segway relies on feedback control to keep the rider stable on two wheels. The iBot agile wheelchair (from which the Segway was derived) relies on feedback control to perform complex maneuvers, such as ascending stairs. In Kamen’s view, computer vision has now advanced to the point where it can serve as a ubiquitous, versatile sensor enabling feedback control in countless applications. Eventually, says Kamen, embedded vision sensors will be as common as simple microcontrollers or mechanical sensors are today.

Kamen will share what he’s learned from the introduction of computer vision into the FIRST Robotics competition, a worldwide program that has inspired millions of young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Kamen will also present his company’s work on its next-generation agile wheelchair. And, in perhaps his most ambitious initiative ever, Kamen will explain how his Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute plans to enable the large-scale manufacturing of engineered tissues and tissue-related technologies, with the eventual goal of mass-producing replacement organs for humans. Kamen expects computer vision to play a key role, enabling monitoring and feedback control of tissue-growing processes without requiring physical contact with tissue.