Howie Choset is the Kavčić–Moura Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, with joint appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. He directs the Biorobotics Lab, where his research focuses on snake robots, medical and trauma robotics, and autonomy for robots operating in confined and unstructured environments. His work bridges foundational robotics theory with fielded and clinical systems addressing national priorities in medicine, manufacturing, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, and space. Most recently, Choset traveled with his team to Venezuela following major earthquakes, where they deployed snake robots in collapsed structures as part of an international search-and-rescue effort. His group has also expanded its work into space robotics, including the recent launch of a robot into orbit as part of an effort to develop modular robotic systems for on-orbit assembly, servicing, and satellite life extension.

This work has led to six start-up companies and a federal manufacturing institute co-founded by Choset and his students and colleagues. Choset has also played a central role in shaping robotics education at Carnegie Mellon through the development of undergraduate programs and research initiatives. He is a Fellow of IEEE, AAAS, and AIAA and a recipient of numerous teaching and research awards recognizing sustained intellectual, educational, and real-world impact.