CAIRO Lab Values

Every member of the lab agrees to uphold these values. They shape how we do research, how we treat each other, and the kind of group we want to be.

Set a positive, accountable culture

We respect other people’s work even when we disagree, and stay accountable to each other and to our community.

Deliver our very best work

Our external-facing work lives forever. We prize detail and polish, and we’ll bypass a deadline before we push something out the door that isn’t our best.

Simplicity over complexity

The best algorithm is the one you understand. Work that’s hard to follow is a failure of the authors, not the reader, so we take the time to make it clear.

Celebrate effort, not just outcomes

Reviews are high-variance; the effort behind great work is not. Positive outcomes are inevitable, and setbacks are only ever a matter of iteration.

Champion each other

We actively support each other’s ideas, sprints, and career goals: offering feedback that is always honest, and always respectful. We take care of each other, especially near deadlines.

Celebrate every kind of win

Not just papers and awards, but the things we build, teach, and learn. We’re engineers who make things, and we’re proud to showcase our work in all its forms.

Pursue problems that matter

We explore research questions of global importance that we’re genuinely passionate about. The question that guides every direction: am I excited to be working on this?

Protect a healthy balance

There’s no glory in all-nighters. We encourage sustainable, healthy habits, hold each other accountable for them, and look out for one another to avoid burnout.

Be welcoming by default

We’re friendly, supportive, communicative, collaborative, curious, resourceful, and ambitious — and we make room for the people just getting started.

Robotics is a team sport.

Joining CAIRO means signing on to an elite team that is mutually invested in your success. Here is what you can expect from your advisors, and what we ask you to bring to each other.

What your advisors commit to you

When you succeed, we all succeedWe act in your best interests and drive your growth toward your own career goals.
We’re your advocatesA shield from bureaucracy and non‑value‑added work, in the department and beyond.
We’ll get you the right toolsThe resources, grants, and introductions you need to do your best work.
We’ll push you to your potentialHonest feedback and challenging goals that grow your skills beyond your comfort zone.
Support that outlasts graduationReferences, advice, and networking for the whole arc of your career.
Timely, honest feedbackShort cycles and clear signal as you develop into a world-class scientist.

What you bring to the lab

Take ownershipOf your work and of your own growth — taking initiative in your professional development.
Work honestly and ethicallyIn everything you do, without exception.
Be an engaged lab citizenHelp others, care for our shared space, and advocate to improve the lab and its culture.
Communicate openly and oftenFail early, fail loudly — a shared blocker is a blocker we solve together.
Represent the lab’s bestWorld-class polish and attention to detail on everything we put into the world.

We perform novel, impactful, and ethical research toward intelligent autonomous systems that collaborate with humans.