From harnessing human emotion to composing music using only lines and colors, the MIT Media Lab is pushing the boundaries of the latest technology, lab director Frank Moss '71 said yesterday during a lecture in the Friend Center.
Speaking to a largely older audience of around 35 people, Moss — who studied mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton and earned graduate degrees from MIT — described his interests in technologies ranging from drug discovery to robotics.
Moss said the lab's goal is not only to further scientific advancement, but also to foster "a unique culture and environment for creativity and nonlinear thinking."
Moss' scientific background includes stints in the private sector as well as academic research. After working for computer research companies including IBM and Apollo, he co-founded a drug discovery company. The MIT Media Lab offered Moss a position a few years ago, and he seized the opportunity to put his knowledge to use for society.
Within the media lab, 150 MIT graduate students and undergraduates come together to build everything imaginable. Engineers, scientists and artists collaborate to create a unique center of innovation, Moss said, describing the lab's emphasis on experimenting in a creative and playful environment.
Moss said the lab is "driven by [the] passion and curiosity of student and faculty" and is "inspired by the opportunity to improve the human condition."
Amid the wide range of projects currently underway in the Media Lab are efforts to aid individuals with autism and war injuries.
One current project, a "hat-cam," will enable researchers to monitor the facial expressions of autistic individuals and translate their expressions into emotions. Meanwhile, a self-cam is being designed for autistic patients to view themselves in order to help them understand their own expressions and the corresponding emotions.
"Their ability to communicate is enormous," Moss said. "You just need to understand it."
Another MIT lab project seems to be straight out of art class. The Hyperscore project helps individuals compose music by simply drawing lines and choosing colors. Though anybody could use the program, it offers the disabled a revolutionary method of communication.
Inventors are also working on mobility projects, striving to help amputees — mostly from the Iraq war — acquire more efficient prosthetic devices. The motor-powered ankle enables amputees to walk more easily and quickly, Moss explained, adding that such devices could alleviate the daily difficulties amputees face.
Moss was this academic year's first speaker in the "Leadership in a Technological World" lecture series.
Read More
Joseph ’25 next Young Alumni Trustee in 21 percent turnout election
Vitus LarrieuGil Joseph ’25 won the Young Alumni Trustee election, which saw 21 percent turnout. Joseph, Stephen Padlo ’25 and Ben Wachspress ’25 competed in the final round of elections after advancing from a notably large primary in April.
Gil Joseph ’25 won the Young Alumni Trustee election, which saw 21 percent turnout. Joseph, Stephen Padlo ’25 and Ben Wachspress ’25 competed in the final round of elections after advancing from a notably large primary in April.
‘A brilliant young contemporary writer and a beautiful human being’: Remembering Lauren Blackburn ’26
Victoria Davies and Caitlyn TabladaBlackburn was found deceased by authorities on April 25, several days after he was reported missing. He was 23 years old at the time of his death and is remembered by friends and mentors as a brilliant writer, voracious learner, and loving friend. A family obituary said he passed away after a “courageous battle with bipolar disorder.”
Blackburn was found deceased by authorities on April 25, several days after he was reported missing. He was 23 years old at the time of his death and is remembered by friends and mentors as a brilliant writer, voracious learner, and loving friend. A family obituary said he passed away after a “courageous battle with bipolar disorder.”
GSG approves audit, delays budget approval after ‘insufferable’ meeting
Nikki HanThe final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
The final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.