# CAST

**Source**: https://cast.caltech.edu/
**Parent**: https://aph.caltech.edu/news/leonardo-the-bipedal-robot-can-ride-a-skateboard-and-walk-a-slackline

Caltech and Technology Innovation Institute Demo Multirobot Response Team

Mid-Air Transformation Helps Flying, Rolling Robot to Transition Smoothly

[Read article](https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/mid-air-transformation-helps-flying-rolling-robot-to-transition-smoothly)

Caltech CAST to Collaborate with Abu Dhabi-based Technology Innovation Institute

[Read article](https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/caltech-cast-to-collaborate-with-abu-dhabi-based-technology-innovation-institute)

Caltech's CAST Gives Mars Helicopter Ingenuity a Lift

[Read article](https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/how-do-you-test-a-helicopter-bound-for-mars)

NASA is training human-like robots to explore caves on Mars

[Read article](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-human-like-robots-boston-dynamics-spot-explore-caves-mars/)

[M4 robot](https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/new-bioinspired-robot-flies-rolls-walks-and-more)

[LEONARDO, the Bipedal Robot](https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/leonardo-the-bipedal-robot-can-ride-a-skateboard-and-walk-a-slackline)

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.

## News

[All News](https://cast.caltech.edu/news)

December 18, 2025

[$50 Million Gift from Caltech Trustees Names Lynn Booth and Kent Kresa Department of Aerospace](https://giving.caltech.edu/news/lynn-booth-and-kent-kresa-department-of-aerospace)

October 14, 2025

[Caltech and Technology Innovation Institute Demo Multirobot Response Team](https://cast.caltech.edu/news/caltech-and-technology-innovation-institute-demo-multirobot-response-team)

October 2, 2025

[Caltech's Autonomous IndyCar Shows Promise at First US Road Course Challenge](https://cast.caltech.edu/news/caltechs-autonomous-indycar-shows-promise-at-first-us-road-course-challenge)

August 15, 2025

[Aaron Ames Named Director of the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies](https://cast.caltech.edu/news/aaron-ames-named-director-of-the-center-for-autonomous-systems-and-technologies)

## CAST In The Media

[Watch a transforming robot roll, crawl, stand up and fly](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2379924-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](https://www.nature.com/articles/s44172-022-00046-z)

December 16, 2022

Nature

[NASA is training human-like robots to explore caves on Mars](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-human-like-robots-boston-dynamics-spot-explore-caves-mars/)

August 9, 2021

CBS News

[More coverage](https://cast.caltech.edu/cast-in-the-media)

### 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."

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The Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) is an endowed center.\
 It was established through the generous support of Foster and Coco Stanback.