Robots and Beyond: Exploring Artificial Intelligence at MIT

Minsky Arm, created by Marvin Minsky on display at the MIT Museum!

Robots and Beyond shares the results of decades of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation at MIT. Explore the ideas that shaped AI and the birth of robotics, fields that are synonymous with research at MIT.

The world’s first AI research group began at MIT in 1959. Today the Computer Science and AI Lab, CSAIL, is the largest laboratory on campus. Robots and Beyond is a behind-the-scenes look at the inventive concepts and processes that lead MIT’s AI labs to great contributions in areas including medicine, underwater exploration, and entertainment.

Learn about tele-operated surgical robots, robotic legs, and socially intelligent humanoid robots that interact with their environments in human-like ways. See prototypes and other media that trace the evolution of some of MIT’s resident robots, including Kismet, Cog, and RoboTuna.

Look for an entirely new exhibit area focused on groundbreaking advances in 'machine learning' and 'children and computing'. New artifacts on display include: early programmable brick prototypes; and an early computer-controlled robot floor turtle that allowed young children to learn programming skills using Logo.

The gallery displays several new robots including: the over 7 foot-tall M. Tallchief, a robot built for NASA and lent to MIT (now its owner) to test space suits; Troody, a robot modeled after a carniverous, two legged dinosaur of the Cretaceous Era designed to interest kids in science; and Mabu, a 'robot-coach' designed to help patients with challenges related to chronic disease management by conversing with them daily and communicating information directly to their health care providers.

When: 
Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Location: 
Prices: 
Included with Museum Admission
Phone: 
617.253.5927
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Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore of Massachusetts as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
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Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
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