CAST skip to main content Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies Research Publications People Open People submenu Director Associate Directors CAST Steering Committee CAST Affiliates Members Staff Media News Facilities Membership Get Involved SearchSearch Menu Close Research Publications People Open People submenu News Facilities Membership Get Involved People Back Director Associate Directors CAST Steering Committee CAST Affiliates Members Staff Media SearchSearch CAST CAST Robotics Video Wins Gold Telly Award Mid-Air Transformation Helps Flying, Rolling Robot to Transition Smoothly Read article Caltech and Technology Innovation Institute Demo Multirobot Response Team Caltech CAST to Collaborate with Abu Dhabi-based Technology Innovation Institute Read article Caltech's CAST Gives Mars Helicopter Ingenuity a Lift Read article NASA is training human-like robots to explore caves on Mars Read article Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 Slide 6 Autoplay Carousel Previous Next M4 robot LEONARDO, the Bipedal Robot At CAST, researchers from Caltech's Division of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS), Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS), and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) collaborate to create the next generation of autonomous systems, advancing the fields of drone research, autonomous exploration, and bio-inspired systems. Researchers will continue pioneering work on technologies ranging from prosthetic legs that use machine learning to flying, self-driven ambulances. Previous Next Image Lightbox News All News July 29, 2026 mITRAR: Using AI to Orchestrate a Rapid Response to Wildfires May 22, 2026 CAST Robotics Video Wins Gold Telly Award Watch Video March 30, 2026 Learning to Fly (with Ingenuity) December 18, 2025 $50 Million Gift from Caltech Trustees Names Lynn Booth and Kent Kresa Department of Aerospace Video Lightbox CAST In The Media Watch a transforming robot roll, crawl, stand up and fly June 28, 2023 New Scientist Machine learning for flow-informed aerodynamic control in turbulent wind conditions December 16, 2022 Nature NASA is training human-like robots to explore caves on Mars August 9, 2021 CBS News More coverage Aaron Ames, CAST Director Professor Ames' research interests span the areas of nonlinear control, safety-critical, cyber-physical and hybrid systems, with a special focus on applications to robotic systems—both formally and through experimental validation. The application of these ideas ranges from enabling autonomy in robotic systems while ensuring safety, to improving the locomotion capabilities of the mobility impaired. Ames says CAST has plenty of exciting work yet to do. "Looking forward, we have an exciting opportunity to further push the boundaries of autonomy with the goal of deploying intelligent robotic systems—from drones to humanoids—in complex real-world environments," he says. "This will be made possible by what makes Caltech unique: deep fundamental science combined with strong collaboration efforts among its exceptional faculty." The Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) is an endowed center. It was established through the generous support of Foster and Coco Stanback. California Institute of Technology 1200 East California Boulevard Pasadena, California 91125 Digital Accessibility | Privacy Notice | Site Content Copyright © 2026 | Log In