Home
Center for Autonomy
Enabling high-impact research in autonomous system design
About
The Center for Autonomy (CfA) is Illinois's interdisciplinary hub for autonomy and robotics research and education in the Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The CfA houses the Master of Engineering in Autonomy and Robotics, manages a number of robotics labs, fosters community, and helps incubate high-impact research endeavors.
From self-driving cars to intelligent robotic assistants to remote surgical systems, autonomous technology will revolutionize the way we live, work, and play. In order to enable this revolution, however, advancements in foundational research and workforce development must first take place to provide assured and certified-safe performance.
Application areas include:
UPCOMING & RECENT EVENTS
Pushing the boundaries of assistive and medical devices
Friday, September 18, 2026
2:00pm Central Time
In Person Event - 1232 CSL Studio
Speaker: Liz Hsiao-Wecksler (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
This talk will address exciting news about research areas that my group and our healthcare and academic partners are exploring to improve the life of people with disabilities.
- Mixed reality robotic task trainers that mimic behaviors of human patients to help healthcare learners practice and improve their clinical techniques used during neurological examinations
- PURE (Personalized Unique Rolling Experience), a compact, self-balancing ballbot and mobility device that features multi-directional, hands-free movement using lean-to-steer technology and driver assistance autonomy
- Smart Ergonomic Active Technology (SEAT) cushions to alleviate pressure injuries due to prolonged sitting through customizable soft robotic cushions constructed from heat-sealed air bladders
- KNEESENSE, a compact, flexible wearable sleeve using a unique hydraulic filament sensor to monitor joint movement
These projects involve large teams of faculty, staff, and students across engineering, industrial design, and disability services, and clinicians in neurology, physical & occupational therapy, home health, and orthopedics.