Prof. Pavan Ramdya - GTKYN Seminar Series

“Get to know your neighbors” Seminar Series

"Reverse-engineering Drosophila movement control toward applications in robotics"
Prof. Pavan Ramdya, head of the Neuroengineering Laboratory
Monday, Oct 4, 2021

Abstract
A shared goal of neuroscience and robotics is to understand how systems can be built to move effectively through the world. However, state-of-the-art algorithms for selecting and executing limbed behaviors in robots are still quite primitive compared with those used by animals. To inspire better artificial control approaches and to understand the biology of limb movement control, we are investigating the fly, Drosophila melanogaster. I will discuss how we are combining 3D pose estimation, 2-photon imaging of motor circuits in behaving flies with physics-based simulations and neural network modeling to uncover algorithms giving rise to adaptive and flexible animal behaviors.

Bio
Pavan Ramdya, Firmenich Next Generation Chair of Neuroengineering, is the Director of the Neuroengineering Laboratory at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Ramdya received his PhD in Neurobiology from Harvard University and then performed postdoctoral work in robotics and neurogenetics at EPFL and UNIL, then bioengineering at Caltech. His laboratory aims to draw inspiration from insects in order to design more intelligent robotic controllers. To accomplish this, they use computational, engineering, genetic, and microscopy approaches to investigate how neural population dynamics, biomechanics, and gene expression sculpt complex limb-dependent behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster. In recognition of his work, he has been awarded an HFSP Career Development Award, a Swiss National Science Foundation Eccellenza Grant, the UNIL Young Investigator Award in Basic Science, and is a member of the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence.


About Center for Intelligent Systems (CIS)
The EPFL Center for Intelligent Systems (CIS) is a joint initiative of the schools of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Computer and Communication Sciences (IC), Basic Sciences (SB), Life Sciences (SV), and Engineering (STI).

CIS’ unique mission is to connect and support all EPFL researchers working in fields related to intelligent systems, including experts in machine learning, data science, computer vision, cyberphysical systems and robotics. These fields are developing technologies, that, when brought together, can be used to construct intelligent systems capable of making complex nuanced decisions in challenging, dynamic environment.


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