On January 29, 2025, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) hosted a distinguished guest lecture titled “A Diffusion Policy in the Era of Foundational Models for Robotics,” presented by Dr. Tasbolat Taunyazov. This event attracted an audience of 122 attendees, including students, researchers, and faculty members from Nazarbayev University.
Dr. Tasbolat Taunyazov holds a Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Currently, he is a key technical team member at Light Robotics, contributing significantly to pioneering advancements in robotics technology. Dr. Taunyazov obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Robotics Department of Nazarbayev University.
The lecture explored the transformative potential of diffusion policies – a type of generative model aimed at advancing foundational models for robotics. Dr. Taunyazov commenced with a clear and engaging introduction to generative models and their applications within the realm of robotics. During the lecture he delved into the principles and distinct benefits of diffusion policies, emphasizing their ability to tackle complex and dynamic decision-making scenarios effectively. Additionally, Dr. Taunyazov examined both the opportunities and challenges associated with constructing next-generation foundational models for robotics, providing valuable insights into how these technological advancements could profoundly influence the future of the field.