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Daniela Rus
Transform your understanding of robotics and AI integration with Dr. Daniela Rus, speaker, Director of CSAIL at MIT.
Step into the future with Daniela Rus, a visionary leader in artificial intelligence and robotics. As the first woman to direct MIT’s renowned Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Rus is shaping a world where machines seamlessly integrate with human life, enhancing efficiency, safety, and productivity. Her research at MIT drives innovation in AI, machine learning, and robotics, with real-world applications that are revolutionising industries from healthcare to manufacturing.
A technology optimist, Rus believes in harnessing AI and robotics to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. As Deputy Dean of Research at MIT’s Schwarzman College of Computing, she pioneers breakthroughs in automation, smart cities, and intelligent systems, ensuring that emerging technologies serve society’s best interests. Her groundbreaking Fifth Sense Project, developed with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, exemplifies this vision—creating wearable devices that empower blind and low-vision individuals with real-time spatial awareness.
Beyond the lab, Rus influences global AI policy and strategy. She is a member of MIT’s Work of the Future task force and co-chairs the AI and the Future of Work Symposium, where she tackles pressing concerns about automation and employment. Her insights provide a roadmap for businesses navigating the AI revolution, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve while fostering a workforce that thrives alongside intelligent machines.
Her accolades include the 2023 IEEE Robotics and Automation Award, the prestigious John Scott Award, and a MacArthur Fellowship. She serves on the Scientific American board of advisors, the UN Commission on Pathways to Prosperity, and multiple high-profile AI and robotics councils worldwide.
Rus is also a celebrated author, with two influential books published in 2024—‘The Heart and the Chip: Our Bright Future with Robots’ and ‘The Mind’s Mirror: Risk and Reward in the Age of AI.’ These works delve into the opportunities and ethical dilemmas of AI, making complex ideas accessible to businesses, policymakers, and the public.
For leaders and teams navigating technological transformation, Rus offers more than insights—she provides a clear, actionable vision. Whether addressing AI’s impact on work, innovation in automation, or the future of human-machine collaboration, she delivers practical strategies that inspire and empower.
Book Daniela Rus today to future-proof your business and embrace the opportunities of AI-driven change.
Topics, sessions and talks
Daniela Rus discusses cutting-edge developments in data analysis and computational techniques, highlighting their transformative potential across various industries and scientific research.
Daniela Rus discusses cutting-edge developments in AI, machine learning, and robotics, highlighting innovations that are transforming technology and its applications in various fields.
Featured Projects
frequently asked questions
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Daniela Rus draws on her active research programme at MIT's CSAIL to ground her talks, referencing specific projects — such as the Fifth Sense Project and work in automation and smart cities — to illustrate how AI and robotics translate into real-world applications across industries.
Daniela Rus speaks on artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, and data and computation. She is the first woman to direct MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and holds a MacArthur Fellowship alongside the 2023 IEEE Robotics and Automation Award.
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