Assistant Professor Mike Stilman, an emerging leader in humanoid robotics research, died following an apparent accident at his home on May 6. Stilman founded the Humanoid Robotics Lab, also known as Golems.org, where he led a team of graduate students and researchers on projects designed to develop algorithms, or “robot brains,” capable of the same level of dexterity, intelligent planning and interaction as human brains.
Stilman received several significant research contracts involving his two humanoid robots, Golem Krang and Golem Hubo, including a $900,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research to develop a “hybrid reasoning system” for military robots. Stilman was among 25 researchers nationwide selected for a 2013 Young Faculty Award by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA). Stilman, who was recently awarded tenure, was scheduled to be promoted to associate professor effective Aug. 16.
Stilman was not only a gifted researcher, but a charismatic teacher who was a favorite in the classroom. He earned the Class of 1940 W. Roane Beard Outstanding Teacher Award for the past academic year.
Twitter