Physical AI is artificial intelligence that perceives the world through sensors, reasons about what it detects, and takes action in real physical environments, powering robots, vehicles, drones, and smart machines. Duke Robotics, spanning ECE, MEMS, and Computer Science, builds the systems, hardware, and algorithms that allow machines to operate safely and securely alongside people, from surgical robots that enhance dexterity to autonomous systems built for environments too dangerous for humans.
cross-trained to build next-generation medical robotic systems
We see a need in the market for experts in robotics and autonomy, and our new master’s program will offer a breadth and depth of training that is currently extremely rare to find in undergraduate programs alone.
Siobhan Rigby OcaAssistant Professor of the Practice in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Edge devices that sit at the edge of much larger data networks will be able to run more intelligent AI systems directly on their own advanced hardware without relying on the cloud.
Yiran ChenJohn Cocke Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
We dream of a future with…
Precise instruments performing life-saving surgery. Autonomous drones on search-and-rescue missions. Robots as true collaborators. We’re engineering the building blocks to make it real.
Our goal is to understand the limitations of existing autonomous systems so that we can protect against attacks. With all of the work that is going on in this field, we will be able to build a wide range of autonomous systems that you can trust your life with. It might take over a decade, but I’m confident that we will get there.
Miroslav PajicProfessor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Final checks before the run. Duke Robotics Club (DRC) co-president Saagar Arya and Chief Engineer Niko Weaver prepares its Autonomous Underwater Vehicles poolside at RoboSub 2026 in Irvine, California, the international competition testing student-built vehicles against real maritime engineering challenges.
A Duke Engineering education leads to lives of purpose and integrity that are as rewarding as they are impactful. Explore our supportive and inclusive community that defines excellence in engineering.
Humans start to develop the skill of Theory of Mind around age four. It allows us to interpret and predict others’ intentions, allowing collaboration to emerge. This is an essential capability that our current robots are missing to allow them to work as a team with other robots and humans. We’re designing systems to help robots learn from how humans think to bridge this gap.
Boyuan ChenDickinson Family Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
The Future Home of Computing at Duke
The transformational renovation of Hudson Hall will create a new home for expanded educational offerings including advanced computing, with contemporary classrooms and teaching labs that provide optimal environments for engineering design, problem-based teaching, and hands-on learning.
Celebrating its 19th year, the Serious Play Conference is North America’s largest dedicated games and learning conference. Under a new leadership team, the event is a must-attend for anyone interested […]
Student research at Duke doesn’t slow down over the summer! On July 24, students from summer programs across Duke will gather to share their research in natural sciences, health policy, […]
Come see the work participants in Data+, Climate+, Code+, CS+, Climate+, and Applied Ethics+ at our end of summer poster session finale! Each project team will share their 10 weeks […]
Quantum computing stands at the forefront of scientific innovation, captivating broad interest as a dynamically evolving field. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in developing and analyzing quantum algorithms for […]
Gross Hall 103
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