Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science
An institute of the Universities Space Research Association

Research

USRA, NASA, and Google have established a joint Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL).

Research includes fundamental research in quantum physics and computer science, as well as applied research exploring application of quantum computing to various domains including planning and scheduling and fault management for various space and aeronautics applications.

USRA manages the QuAIL Science Operations to engage the broader research community, and manages the technical operations of a D-Wave 2000Q^TM system located at NASA's Ames Research Center. A percentage of computing time is available to U.S. universities and non-profits. More information about this program is available at Request for Proposals.

Artificial Intelligence

USRA has partnered with the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA's Ames Research Center to conduct collaborative research on AI and Robotics.

Current projects include research on planning and scheduling, as well as application of technologies from the mobile phone industry for intelligent systems. For example, this includes collaboration on the SPHERES Smartphone Project, which is part of the NASA Human Exploration Telerobotics Mission.

Environmental Analytics: USRA’s Environmental Analytics group is part of the USRA Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS). We conduct a portfolio of research projects applying advanced machine learning, AI, and other data analytics approaches to environmental, geological, and biological applications including research on natural disasters, atmospheric and aerosol sciences, astrobiology, space biology, air quality and human health on Earth and in Space. Our researchers are developing innovative approaches to model and predict natural hazards focusing on rapid flood mapping, earthquake early warning, landslide risk monitoring, and wildfire preparedness, response and recovery. We support USGS, NASA, and other academic and governmental sponsors through cooperative agreements and PI awards.