Davide Scaramuzza

Prof. Davide Scaramuzza develops AI-powered vision algorithms for agile robot navigation, surpassing human champions in autonomous drone racing.

Professional profile

As a Professor of Robotics and Perception at the University of Zurich, Davide Scaramuzza leads the world in autonomous navigation for mobile robots. His research focuses on enabling machines to "see" and move through complex environments using standard and event-based cameras. By pioneering visual-inertial state estimation, his work has provided the algorithmic foundation for everything from consumer drones to the NASA Mars helicopter, proving that vision-based AI can operate even in the most extreme conditions.

Professor Scaramuzza is renowned for pushing the limits of speed and autonomy in AI applications. In 2022, his team achieved a historic milestone by demonstrating an AI-powered drone that could consistently outperform world-champion human pilots in drone racing. This feat showcased the power of low-latency perception and deep reinforcement learning, proving that AI can process visual information and execute precise physical maneuvers faster and more accurately than the human brain.

Scaramuzza’s impact extends deep into the tech industry through high-profile collaborations and startups. He co-founded Zurich-Eye (now Meta Zurich), which developed the essential head-tracking software for the Meta Quest VR headsets, and SUIND, which applies autonomous drone AI to precision agriculture. As a consultant for the United Nations on "AI for Good," he ensures that high-speed robotic perception is used responsibly for disaster response and humanitarian aid, solidifying his role as a key architect of the future of autonomous systems. His research has been featured in distinguished media platforms, including The New York Times, The Guardian, The Economist, and Forbes, and he’s co-author of the bestselling MIT Press publication Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots.