Join the University of Maryland MATRIX Lab at the USMSM SMART Building for a series of dynamic presentations and stimulating discussions. Our next event is Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Scroll down for links to register to each event.
Autonomy and autonomous systems are critical to our future, not only in defense and industry, but in our everyday lives. The technologies that contribute to these capabilities and systems run the gamut – AI, machine learning, algorithms, materials science, physics, electronics, computer science and engineering, aerospace, mechanical, cybersecurity. While we may be familiar with uncrewed systems, remote operations and automation, autonomy takes us to the next level of capability... and requires the next level of trust in them. How do we bring this all together?
Evening@SMART is a periodic series focused on bringing together thought and action leaders in government, industry, and academia to share valuable perspectives on these and many more current technical topics. Dynamic presentations from prominent experts and stimulating discussions around cutting-edge topics aim to advance research and innovation and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. It is designed to spark growth through fostering dialogue and creating connections.
Evening@SMART is hosted by the University of Maryland MATRIX Lab and held at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland SMART Building in California, Maryland. Each event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you have suggestions or ideas for future Evening@SMART events please email us at matrix@umd.edu.
Dr. Pratap Tokekar
Associate Professor
Department of Computer Science
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography
As artificial intelligence becomes a core ingredient in real-world decision-making, a central question emerges: how do we make AI-driven systems not just intelligent, but reliable? This challenge is especially urgent in robotics, where autonomous agents interact with the physical world—and with each other. In this talk, Dr. Pratap Tokekar will share how his group is tackling this problem by combining classical and learning-based methods to build multi-robot systems that can scale and adapt without sacrificing robustness. Full abstract
Register for September 3 Event
Dr. Miao Yu
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography
Shellfish aquaculture, which is the most sustainable form of aquaculture, faces significant challenges due to outdated technology and tools. Farmers do not have the necessary information for strategically choosing planting locations, leading to high crop mortality and reduced yields. To address this issue, a group of University of Maryland researchers is establishing a smart sustainable shellfish aquaculture management framework. In this talk, Dr. Miao Yu will discuss some of their latest efforts. Full abstract
Register for October 1 Event
Dr. Mumu Xu
Associate Professor
Department of Aerospace Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography
Classical controllers are built deductively from requirements, while machine learning (ML)-enabled control requirements are inductively determined after construction, i.e., the system is trained on data and only afterward do we understand its capabilities. Because of this, ML controllers are not able to fit neatly into the traditional requirement-driven design pipeline. In this talk, Dr. Mumu Xu will present a framework to reconcile this difference. Full abstract
*The Tuesday, November 18 Evening@SMART presentation will coincide with the MATRIX Lab's DTEVV Workshop, a gathering of T&E and autonomous systems professionals from the United States government, academia, and industry with the goal of mapping out the priority research and workforce challenges that need to be addressed to advance the DTEVV of these technologies.
To join our DTEVV Workshop information mailing list and receive updates as they are available, click here.
Register for November 18 EventTitle TBD
Dr. Dinesh Manocha
Distinguished University Professor
Paul Chrisman Iribe Professor of Computer Science
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography
Abstract TBD
Watch this space for details on future talks from researchers.
Dr. Yiannis Aloimonos
Professor
Department of Computer Science
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Brian Weiss
Research Engineer
Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS)
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Sanghamitra Dutta
Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Donald "Bucket" Costello
Director of Test and Evaluation of Autonomous Systems
MATRIX Lab
University of Maryland Clark School at USMSM
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Justin Stine
Director of Remote Sensing and Microsystems
MATRIX Lab
University of Maryland Clark School at USMSM
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Michael Otte
Assistant Professor
Department of Aerospace Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Derek Paley
Director
Maryland Robotics Center
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Pamela Abshire
Professor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Ming Lin
Professor
Department of Computer Science
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Dr. Po-Yen Chen
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
University of Maryland, College Park
Biography | Abstract
Evening@SMART takes place at the USMSM SMART Building in St. Mary's County from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: 44219 Airport Road, California, MD 20619
Free parking is available in any of the lots on the USMSM campus. Spots close to the door are available by the main entrance of the SMART Building (Building 3). Handicap spots are available by Building 2 and on the west side of the SMART Building.
Food and drinks are provided at Evening@SMART events.
Please be advised that the food provided during this event may contain, or come into contact with, common allergens such as nuts, dairy, eggs, and soy.
Please send all queries to matrix@umd.edu.