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Kinesis

The Kinesis Lab is a shared multi-space laboratory for design, exploration, and experimentation using robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies. This cutting-edge laboratory is meticulously outfitted with state-of-the-art technology in the realms of robotics and artificial intelligence, like ground robots of different types (humanoids, quadrupeds, wheeled), underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), drones, robotic arms, highly accurate motion capture systems, and a wide variety of sensors and payloads, that NYUAD researchers and collaborators are using to perform their research activities in a broad spectrum of applications. The lab's design fosters an environment of multidisciplinary innovation, where researchers can push the boundaries of what's possible in their research field, creating a hub of technological advancement and scientific inquiry.

Arena

The Arena is the dedicated area for motion experimentation. The Arena is a 17m x 6.4m x 8m space constructed from adaptable truss structures with surrounding nets for safety and can be reconfigured accordingly. The lighting system is controllable for colors and intensity, and removable protective mattresses cover the ground area to provide fall protection for both drones and ground robots. The Arena is equipped with a highly accurate local position tracking system, a 2-kW sound system, a projection system, and a high-speed ethernet and wireless network. The space is ideal for indoor flight testing, mobile manipulation, multi-robot trials, biomechanics, and motion studies

Workspace

The Workspace is a flexible area housing several workstations suited to experiment setup, data processing, and code development, available as needed during active projects. The area is equipped with a high-speed local network and controllable lighting system. Nearby benches provide working surface, tools, and test equipment for assembly, integration, and repair of sensors, robots, and payloads. The Workspace is also home to a high-performance GPU unit and a safe charging station for LiPo batteries.

Equipment

The lab supports motion-centric research with a comprehensive toolkit: high-accuracy motion capture; robotic arms and end-effectors; ground robots (humanoids, quadrupeds, wheeled) and an autonomous car development platform; aerial drones (including RTK-enabled systems); underwater ROVs; 3D mapping and scanning (terrestrial LiDAR, SLAM/UAV/backpack LiDAR, handheld/object scanners); advanced imaging (hyperspectral, thermal/visual zoom, event-based vision, acoustic imaging); robust communications (mesh radios) and bench test gear.

Applications and Research

The Kinesis laboratory can be instrumental in the realization of projects in a wide range of fields and modalities:

Biomechanical

  • Gait analysis and rehabilitation
  • Posture, balance, and motor control
  • Athletics (sports performance, movement evaluation)
  • Animal biomechanics and movement science

Engineering

  • Robotics: UAVs, ROVs, and UGVs, humanoids, mobile manipulation, robot localization, movement analysis, trajectory generation, multi-robot experimentation, human-robot interaction (HRI), teleoperation and supervisory control.
  • Reality capture & digital twins: SLAM mapping (terrestrial, aerial, handheld), high-accuracy LiDAR and photogrammetry, change detection, asset documentation.
  • Perception & sensing: thermal imaging and thermography, hyperspectral material analysis, event-based vision, acoustic imaging for leak/condition diagnostics, multisensory fusion.
  • Control systems: modelling, planning, and closed-loop control for aerial, legged, wheeled, and underwater platforms.
  • Artificial Intelligence and machine learning: dataset curation and labelling, deep learning, reinforcement learning, large language models for planning, assistance, and HRI.
  • Networking & edge computing: high-bandwidth mesh links for field robots, remote inspection, and live telemetry.
  • Design, prototyping & verification: object/part scanning, reverse engineering, fit/assembly checks, payload integration and testing.
  • Marine and underwater asset monitoring and survey.

Entertainment

  • Video game development (character animation, object animation, effects generation)
  • Film production (character animation, object movement and animation)
  • Sound and motion application research (music performance and pedagogy)

Equipment List

  • 3D Scanner - Faro Focus 350s plus
  • Acoustic Imager – SV600 – Fluke
  • Autonomous Car Development Platform – RB-Car – Robotnik
  • Dexterous Hand – RH56DFQ-2L  – Inspire Robots
  • Drone - DJI Matrice 300 RTK
  • Drone - DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • Event Camera – Metavision® EVK4 HD (IMX636) – Prophesee
  • Ground Robot - Boston Dynamics Spot
  • Ground Robot with Robotic Arm Boston Dynamics Spot
  • Hovermap LiDAR 3D Scanner
  • Humanoid Robot – G1 – Unitree
  • Humanoid Robot – H1 – Unitree
  • Hyperspectral Camera - microHSI 410 SHARK - Corning
  • Motion Capture System - Vicon Vantage V16
  • Object 3d Scanner- Creaform GO! SCAN 3D
  • Programmable DC Power Supply – PVS10005 – B&K Precision
  • Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle – EXRAY – Hydromea
  • Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle – Mission Specialist Defender – VideoRay
  • Robotic Arm - KUKA LBR iiwa 14 R820
  • Robotic Gripper - Robotiq 3-Finger Adaptive Robot Gripper
  • Thermal _ Visual Zoom Camera - Workswell Wiris ProSc
  • Wireless Network Transceivers - Persistent Systems MPU5