Takeo Kanade

Takeo Kanade is the U.A. and Helen Whitaker University Professor of Robotics and Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He serves as director of the Quality of Life Technology Engineering Research Center and previously led the Robotics Institute (1992-2001). His work spans computer vision, robotics, and multimedia technology, emphasizing mathematical modeling of vision processes and system development.

• Education: Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering from Kyoto University (1974)

Kanade's research focuses on foundational computer vision (factorization methods, multi-baseline stereo, facial recognition), virtualized reality systems for immersive media applications, and robotics innovations in medical surgery (HipNav) and autonomous helicopters. He pioneered computational sensors integrating VLSI technology.

Recent publications emphasize 3D vision, pose estimation, and real-time facial alignment, reflecting his work in social motion capture and scene-specific object recognition. His projects include Informedia (NSF/ARPA/NASA-funded digital video libraries) and EyeVision for immersive sports broadcasting.

• Scientific Awards: Kyoto Prize (2016), Benjamin Franklin Medal, Bower Prize, IEEE Pioneer Award, ACM/AAAI Allen Newell Award, Joseph Engelberger Award

He advises past PhD and Master's students like Omead Amidi, Vladimir Brajovic, and Richard LaBarca. He founded the Digital Human Research Center and leads the Human Sensing Lab at CMU.