Brian K. Plancher
Assistant Professor
Appointments
Assistant Professor
Area of Expertise
Robotics,
Optimization,
Computer Systems,
STEM Education,
Embedded Machine Learning
Biography
My research is focused on optimizing robotic systems at all scales by developing, optimizing, implementing, and evaluating next-generation algorithms and edge computational systems, through algorithm-hardware-software co-design (e.g., MPCGPU, GRiD, TinyMPC). As such, my research is at the intersection of Robotics and Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Numerical Optimization, and Machine Learning.
I also want to promote a responsible, sustainable, and accessible future for robotics and edge computing, including the development of new interdisciplinary, project-based, open-access courses that lower the barriers to entry for cutting-edge topics like robotics, parallel programming, and embedded machine learning (e.g., Global TinyML Education, Parallel Optimization for Robotics).
Education
PhD Harvard University
MEng Harvard University
BA Harvard University
Publications
K. Nguyen, S. Schoedel, A. Alavilli, B. Plancher, Z. Manchester, "TinyMPC: Model-Predictive Control on ResourceConstrained Microcontrollers," in the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), Yokohama, Japan, May 2024.
E. Adabag, M. Atal, W. Gerard, B. Plancher, "MPCGPU: Real-Time Nonlinear Model Predictive Control through Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient on the GPU," in the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), Yokohama, Japan, May 2024.
B. Plancher, S. M. Neuman, R. Ghosal, S. Kuindersma, V. Janapa Reddi, "GRiD: GPU-Accelerated Rigid Body Dynamics with Analytical Gradients," IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), Philadelphia PA, May 2022.
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