Designing Intelligence from Embodiment: Musculoskeletal, Wire-driven, and Open-Source Robots
Abstract: To understand and design intelligence, we have taken embodiment as our starting point in robot development. Our research began with complex and redundant musculoskeletal humanoids that mimic human muscle structures, evolved into wire-driven robots that extract and utilize the functional advantages of muscles, and has further developed into open-source robotic platforms that allow anyone to learn seamlessly from body to intelligence. In this talk, I will introduce a series of robots and intelligent systems developed through this embodiment-centered approach, and discuss future directions in robotics from the perspective of designing intelligence through the body.
Biography:
K. Kawaharazuka received his B.E., M.S., and Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology from The University of Tokyo in 2017, 2019, and 2022, respectively. He became a Project Assistant Professor in 2022 and a Lecturer at the Next Generation AI Research Center, The University of Tokyo, in 2025. His research focuses on musculoskeletal humanoid design and control, and intelligent robotic systems using deep learning and foundation models.
Kento KAWAHARAZUKA
Univ. of Tokyo
Towards Human-Centered Robotics
Abstract: Recent advancements in large language models and vision-language models have opened up new possibilities for human-centered robotics. This presentation aims to explore the potential of these cutting-edge technologies in enhancing human-robot interaction and enabling robots to better serve human needs. Firstly, we will see the rapid development of humanoid robots and their potential to replace human labor in various domains. Secondly, we will see the integration of artificial intelligence techniques with these humanoid robots to facilitate their deployment in everyday life scenarios. Furthermore, I will showcase our laboratory’s ongoing research projects including utilizing Vision Language Models (VLMs) for human-robot interaction, combining VLMs with simulators, and developing robot agents with distinct personas.
Biography:
2020-09 ~ Present: Assistant/Associate Professor at Korea University
2025-01 ~ Present: Principal Scientist at RLWRLD
2018-06 ~ 2020-08: Postdoctoral Associate at Disney Research
2018-02 ~ 2018-05: Research Scientist at Kakao Brain
2012-09 ~ 2018-02: Ph.D. in EECS, Seoul National University
Sungjoon CHOI
Korea Univ.