# Matthew T. Mason

> American roboticist

**Wikidata**: [Q6791297](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6791297)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_T._Mason)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matthew-t-mason

## Summary
Matthew T. Mason is an American roboticist and scientist recognized for his foundational contributions to robotic manipulation. A professor at Carnegie Mellon University and an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he is best known for his research into the mechanics of pushing, sensorless manipulation, and planning under uncertainty.

## Biography
- Born: August 24, 1952, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Known for: Research in robotic manipulation, the mechanics of pushing, and manipulation path planning.
- Employer(s): Carnegie Mellon University
- Field(s): Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Automation

## Contributions
Matthew T. Mason has spent his career advancing the theoretical and practical understanding of how robots interact with physical objects. His work shifted the focus of the field toward the fundamental mechanics of manipulation, specifically exploring how robots can move objects through actions like pushing rather than just grasping. 

In 1992, he was elected a AAAI Fellow for his lasting contributions to compliant force control and the development of sensorless manipulation strategies. His research addressed the critical challenge of planning under uncertainty, providing frameworks for robots to function effectively even with incomplete environmental data. More recently, his work in manipulation path planning earned him the distinction of ACM Fellow in 2021. 

Beyond his individual research, Mason has had a significant impact on the academic community as a mentor. He served as the doctoral advisor for several influential figures in robotics and computer science, including Ken Goldberg, Kevin Michael Lynch, and Siddhartha Srinivasa. His research is widely documented across major scientific databases, including the ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and DBLP.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Matthew T. Mason's most significant contribution to robotics?
A: He is primarily known for his work on robotic manipulation, specifically developing the "mechanics of pushing" and strategies for sensorless manipulation and planning under uncertainty.

### Q: Where has Matthew T. Mason spent his academic career?
A: He was educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has served as a long-time faculty member and researcher at Carnegie Mellon University.

### Q: What professional honors has Matthew T. Mason received?
A: He is a Fellow of both the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI, elected 1992) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM, elected 2021).

## Why They Matter
Matthew T. Mason’s work transformed robotics from a field focused on simple "pick-and-place" automation into one capable of sophisticated physical interaction. By formalizing the mechanics of pushing and non-prehensile manipulation, he provided the mathematical tools necessary for robots to handle objects in more human-like and versatile ways. His research into planning under uncertainty remains a cornerstone of modern autonomous systems, allowing machines to navigate the inherent unpredictability of the real world. Furthermore, as a prolific doctoral advisor at Carnegie Mellon University, he has shaped the careers of numerous leaders in the robotics industry, ensuring his methodologies continue to influence the next generation of artificial intelligence and automation.

## Notable For
*   **AAAI Fellow (1992):** Recognized for contributions to compliant force control, the mechanics of pushing, and sensorless manipulation.
*   **ACM Fellow (2021):** Awarded for significant contributions to robotic manipulation and manipulation path planning.
*   **Academic Mentorship:** Served as doctoral advisor to prominent roboticists such as Ken Goldberg and Siddhartha Srinivasa.
*   **Foundational Research:** Established key principles in the field of robotic manipulation and automation at Carnegie Mellon University.

## Body
### Education and Early Career
Matthew Thomas Mason was born in Oklahoma City on August 24, 1952. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he conducted his doctoral research under the advisement of Tomas Lozano-Pérez and Berthold K. P. Horn. His early work at MIT laid the groundwork for his lifelong focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence and physical mechanics.

### Research at Carnegie Mellon University
Mason joined the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University, where he became a central figure in the university's robotics research. His work is characterized by a deep focus on:
*   **Mechanics of Pushing:** Analyzing how force and friction interact when a robot moves an object without grasping it.
*   **Sensorless Manipulation:** Creating strategies that allow robots to orient or move parts effectively without requiring constant sensory feedback.
*   **Manipulation Path Planning:** Developing algorithms that determine the most efficient and safe routes for robotic arms and effectors to take when interacting with objects.

### Professional Leadership and Honors
Mason’s influence is reflected in his status within major professional organizations. He was inducted as a Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) in 1992. In January 2022, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) named him a Fellow for his 2021 contributions to the field of computer science and robotics.

### Mentorship and Academic Legacy
Mason has supervised a wide array of doctoral students who have gone on to hold significant positions in academia and industry. Notable students include:
*   **Ken Goldberg:** Known for his work in robotics and social media.
*   **Kevin Michael Lynch:** A major contributor to robotic manipulation theory.
*   **Siddhartha Srinivasa:** A leader in human-robot interaction.
*   **Alberto Rodriguez:** Noted for research in robotic grasping and tactile sensing.

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## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [Source](https://aaai.org/about-aaai/aaai-awards/the-aaai-fellows-program/elected-aaai-fellows/)
5. [Source](https://www.acm.org/media-center/2022/january/fellows-2021)
6. Mathematics Genealogy Project
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. IdRef
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File