PBL
Boston Dynamics Project
AI and Robotics for Mobile Robot Manipulation
Build cutting-edge AI and robotics solutions to tackle real-world challenges in object detection, navigation, and design.
Project
Boston Dynamics Project
Location
Online
Duration
8 Weeks
Upcoming Sessions
Spring 2026
Outcomes
Write research findings for future developments.
Develop code applicable to open-source robotics projects.
Build real-time systems for industrial and security applications.
Optimize AI models for robotic manipulation tasks.
Analyze real-world robotics datasets for practical use.
You Will Get
Industry Guidance
Work directly with our project leads—experts and top researchers—who bring their real-world insights and expertise straight to your learning experience.
Research Experience
Collaborate with teammates and the project lead in a multi-week project to pursue novel questions in your research field.
Peer Networks
Engage with our PBL participants from all over the world. Collaborate with new peers and learn about their own research endeavours.
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A Strong Portfolio
Put your best foot forward in the PBL with a standout project and receive a PBL Evaluation Report that can be used as a recommendation letter for employers and grad schools.
Expert Guidance
Get personalized feedback to grow your research and innovation skills.
Deliverables
Real projects, lasting connections, and new opportunities beyond your program.
Project Deliverables
The final presentation of your 8 weeks could be a poster, written report, or a slide deck, all of which can be expanded on.
Research Extension
Utilize up to 5 additional meeting times with the project lead after the project’s conclusion to build your work out for publication or conference presentation.
Industry Network
Meet peers in your projects and participate in a global talent community both online and in-person.
Industry Application
Boston Dynamics is a leading company for dynamic, highly mobile robotics solutions. Originally started in MIT's Leg Laboratory, a longstanding robotics hub, the company is well-known for its agile "dog" models. The development of these models requires many of the concepts of this PBL, such spacial location, pose estimation, and more. Skills in this PBL are applicable across many uses of robotics in both commercial and industrial applications.
Popular Industry Positions
AI/ML Developer
Design and optimize algorithms for anomaly detection and robotic functionality.
Computer Vision Specialist
Enhance object recognition and spatial analysis in robotics.
Robotics Engineer
Develop autonomous systems for navigation and manipulation.
Tracks
Track 1
Object Pose Estimation
Students will develop algorithms to determine the position and orientation of objects in 3D space, a critical component for robotic manipulation.
Develop pose estimation models and algorithms to detect and interpret object positions in complex, cluttered environments through techniques for object recognition and spatial configuration.
Applications in automation in logistics and manufacturing industries.
Suitable For students with backgrounds in computer vision, robotics, or machine learning.
Track 2
SLAM and Localization
Students will implement algorithms for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) to enable mobile robots to navigate and map unknown environments.
Develop SLAM frameworks using sensor fusion techniques (e.g., LIDAR, camera data) to simultaneously map environments and determine robot positions. Apply localization and navigation strategies for autonomous robotic systems.
Applications in autonomous navigation in warehouses, factories, and industrial spaces.
Suitable for students with backgrounds in robotics, AI, or sensor systems.
Track 3
Depth Sensing and 3D Reconstruction
Students will design and implement depth sensing pipelines to extract 3D information from camera data, enabling perception and modeling in robotics.
Learn techniques such as stereo vision, disparity estimation, and structured light for depth acquisition.
Develop skills in camera calibration, point cloud processing, and surface normal estimation.
Apply photometric stereo and AR tag tracking for scene understanding and pose estimation.
Applications in robotic perception, 3D modeling, and augmented reality systems.
Suitable for students with backgrounds in computer vision, 3D graphics, or robotics.
Track 4
Optimization for Robotic Perception and Planning
Students will apply foundational optimization techniques to solve core problems in robotics, from perception to motion planning.
Master tools such as gradient descent, linear and nonlinear optimization, and basic neural network models.
Build intuition through coding exercises and 3D visualizations for regression and classification tasks.
Apply optimization to robotics challenges such as SLAM (with factor graphs), motion planning, and sensor calibration.
Gain hands-on experience implementing and tuning optimization algorithms on robotics-inspired tasks.
Suitable for students with backgrounds in robotics, applied math, or machine learning.
PBL Journey
Online PBL Projects meet once a week for 8 weeks, and follow the research project format. Participants will meet the project lead, learn the conventions of the field and familiarize themselves with the tracks, then spend the middle portion of their time collaborating to develop their research.
At the end, participants will present their final project and receive feedback, with the opportunity to extend their timeline and develop the project in greater depth.
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Project Team
Our Academic Team plays a vital role in your PBL journey at Blended Learning. We are dedicated to enhancing your learning experience and ensuring your academic success. Our team consists of three distinct roles, each with a specific focus to support your Research Guidance, Project Progress, and Personal Growth.
Project Lead
Providing Industry and Research Guidance
Researcher and MIT CSAIL Lab and Co-Founder/CTO at XYZ Robotics
He holds a Ph.D. in EECS from MIT (2018) and co-founded XYZ Robotics, focusing on robotic manipulation and state estimation during physical contact. He achieved Best Paper Finalist honors at IROS 2016 and ICRA 2019. He led systems in the Amazon Robotics Challenge, securing First Place in the Stowing task (2017). He also contributed to disaster relief innovation through the DARPA Robotics Challenge (2013). Beyond research, he champions advancing human-robot interaction to enhance human lives.
Academic Advisor
Tracking Your Project Development
The Academic Advisor is dedicated to your project completion success. They manage the progress of your PBL, guiding team formation, facilitating group discussions, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, the Academic Advisor ensures team member contributions are on track and provides logistical support, including attendance tracking, hosting recitation sessions, managing research support requests, and conducting student evaluations at the end of the PBL.
From Our Students
"After a night spent debugging, I suddenly discovered the program running perfectly. In that triumphant moment, you realize your true capability and success. The exhaustion fades, replaced by the thrill of knowing your skills and persistence led to this achievement, reaffirming your potential."
Nicole Y.
National University of Singapore
B.S. Economics
FAQs
What is the learning format of a PBL?
All PBLs are offered in an 8-week online format that begins with an orientation followed by subject setup overview of the different tracks. The majority of the session time is dedicated to project development, with a final presentation at the culmination of the 8 weeks. Many PBLs are also offered bi-annually in an on-campus format that consists of daily in-person meetings.
How long does each PBL cohort last？
One round of the Online PBL cohort lasts 8 weeks, preceded bys a pre-PBL orientation week. Each On-Campus PBL usually has 8 in person meetings, with intensive classroom education and collaboration. This means the biggest difference between online and on-campus PBLs is time participants have in between meetings.
How can I be more academically prepared before the PBL starts?
Review the Blended Learning Insights sent by the Academic Advisor and familiarize yourself with the project topic and pre-learning materials. Ensure you have all necessary softwares and other resources needed for the PBL.
For each PBL cohort, will I work in teams? Are PBL team members self-selected or assigned?
Yes, you will work in teams for each round of the PBL Cohort. Each team has 3 to 6 participants, organized by the Academic Team. The Academic Advisor will organize groupings based on students' backgrounds, preferred track, and skills.
Can I work with the Project Lead on my project after the PBL ends?
Yes, with your AI + X Research Plan, you may request up to five PBL Research Extension meetings, where you work with the project lead to develop your project into a working manuscript. To schedule a PBL Research Extension meeting, talk to your Academic Advisor at the conclusion of your PBL.
What do I receive at the end of the PBL?
At the conclusion of the PBL cohort, you can request a PBL Evaluation Report which summarizes the PBL content, the hours you spent, the track you chose, and includes a recommendation letter from the Project Lead (for eligible participants who completed the project successfully).
Is attendance mandatory for PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions?
Yes, attendance is mandatory for both PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions. Participants with three or more unexcused absences forfeit their eligibility for a PBL Evaluation Report.
Do I need to have my camera on during online PBL Live Sessions?
Yes, you must have your camera on during online PBL Live Sessions. Participants with cameras off will be marked as absent. This is meant to encourage active engagement and participation in meetings.
