As the newest robotics researcher at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS), Professor Nick Rhinehart and his team are developing autonomous systems that can operate safely and effectively in complex, unpredictable environments, such as roads and public spaces.
Rhinehart joined the university in 2024 from Waymo, one of the leading autonomous ride-hailing services, where he was a member of the research team working on data-driven simulation and optimal driving.
With the start of a new academic year, we sat down with Rhinehart to learn more about his research, what he’s most excited about and advice for students considering graduate studies or a career in robotics.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania. I first became interested in computer science as an undergrad at Swarthmore College, because it felt like the study of problem-solving itself. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a deeper interest in machine learning and robotics: how to build systems that perceive, learn and make decisions in the real world.
Since then, I’ve worked as a researcher in both academic and industry settings, including as a grad student at Carnegie Mellon University, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley’s AI Research Lab and a senior research scientist at Waymo Research. Now I’m delighted to be at the University of Toronto as an assistant professor, where I lead the LEAF Lab (Learning, Embodied Autonomy, and Forecasting Lab).
Why did you choose U of T?
U of T is world-class when it comes to robotics and AI, and I was excited by its strong interdisciplinary culture. The chance to collaborate with brilliant researchers across engineering and computer science through the University of Toronto Robotics Institute was a big draw. Toronto itself was another draw because it’s vibrant, multicultural and full of the energy of people pursuing many different lifestyles and careers. Plus, I can easily visit my family back in Pennsylvania, and I genuinely enjoy the weather here (usually).