Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics

We investigate the frontiers of natural computing and complex systems — from large language models and artificial life to swarm intelligence, quantum computing, and the foundations of computation itself. Housed in the Rubin and Cindy Gruber AI Sandbox at Florida Atlantic University.

Research

20 active projects spanning AI, robotics, natural computing, evolutionary dynamics, and programming language theory.

View Projects

Community

A collaborative lab of students, faculty, and researchers at all levels working together in the FAU Sandbox.

Meet the Team

Join Us

We welcome curious minds at any level — undergrad, masters, PhD, or postdoc. Apply in under 2 minutes.

Apply Now

Research Areas


Ready to join?

Fill out a short form and a lab director will review your application. We're looking for curious minds interested in complex systems and natural computing.

Apply to MPCR Lab

Latest News


news

Spring 2026 Research Directions at MPCR

The Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Laboratory enters Spring 2026 with an ambitious slate of research spanning the frontiers of natural computing and complex systems. With 20 active projects and 14 researchers working across disciplines, this is one of the most productive periods in the lab’s history.

By
news events

MPCR Lab AI Lecture Series — Spring 2026

The MPCR Lab AI Lecture Series continues this spring with talks from leading researchers at the intersection of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and social computing.

By
news events

Are Human Brains Fundamentally LLMs? — Waterloo Akatos House

Profs. Elan Barenholtz and William Hahn presented at Akatos House in Waterloo, Ontario. Barenholtz delivered “Autoregression: Are Human Brains (Actually) LLMs?” followed by Hahn’s “Unconventional Forms of Computation in Nature,” with live Q&A and discussion.

By
news

Announcing the MPCR Digital Poster Gallery

We are pleased to announce the launch of the MPCR Digital Poster Gallery, a new platform for lab members to showcase their research in a rich, accessible format. The gallery is now live on our website and open for submissions.

By
More News →