News Archives
From Aerospace to Robotics: Dr. Michael Grey '07 Inspires Ramblers with His Journey in Science
When Dr. Michael Grey (Looby) ’07 returned to Loyola Academy this fall, he brought with him not only stories of perseverance and discovery but also a global perspective shaped by his work in robotics research and development. Speaking to Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Steam Leaders and Clavius Scholars during three 30-minute sessions, Dr. Grey shared how his post-Loyola journey took him from an aspiring aerospace engineer to an international leader in robotics software. He shared more than just a career story; he gave students a candid look at how curiosity, values, and adaptability can shape a life in science.
Dr. Grey traced his earliest inspiration back to his AP Physics class, where then Loyola Academy Science Teacher Mark Lawson’s passion for aerospace first ignited his curiosity in the field. That spark brought Dr. Grey to the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign where he began studying aerospace engineering with dreams of contributing to human space exploration. “I wanted to push the frontier of humanity,” he recalled. But midway through his aerospace engineering degree, he realized that the high costs and risks of human spaceflight didn’t align with his calling. Instead, he turned his focus to robotics, where he saw opportunities for innovation, becoming fascinated by the idea of intelligent machines exploring, working, and solving problems more safely, efficiently, and with greater applicability.
That decision led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Robotics at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research centered on humanoid robots—machines with arms and legs designed to move and interact like humans. “Walking is natural for us, but incredibly difficult for robots,” he explained to LA students. His doctoral thesis explored motion planning: how to keep robots upright, moving, and completing tasks without falling or breaking.
Although Dr. Grey once imagined a career in academia, he discovered along the way that he loved building the software tools other researchers needed. That realization led him to Open Robotics, a nonprofit that develops open-source robotics software. His early work focused on simulation—creating virtual environments where algorithms could be tested safely before being deployed on expensive machines. Later, he led the development of Open-RMF, a software framework that enables robots from different manufacturers to coordinate and work together in complex facilities such as hospitals, airports, and manufacturing facilities.
“Historically, companies didn’t want their robots to interact with competitors’ machines,” Dr. Grey told students. “But in real-world environments like hospitals, you need delivery robots, cleaning robots, and security robots to share hallways, elevators, and infrastructure. Our work makes that collaboration possible.”
Since 2018, Dr. Grey has been based in Singapore, where he continues his work in robotics as a software engineering manager for Intrinsic, an Alphabet company. His team focuses on orchestrating autonomous systems, helping fleets of robots cooperate safely and efficiently in diverse industries. “Essentially, our role is to “choreograph a ballet” of robots that seamlessly work together instead of getting in each other’s way,” he said.
For students considering a similar career path, Dr. Grey emphasized the importance of balance between specialization and breadth in STEM careers. “If you’re too specialized, you might miss the bigger picture. But if you’re too general, you might not make a concrete contribution. The sweet spot is knowing your area deeply while understanding how it connects to the larger system.”
Dr. Grey also provided Ramblers with a bigger-picture perspective on technology’s role in society. He discussed the rise of artificial intelligence, the cycles of overhyped promises in the field, and the ethical questions around robotics and labor. “Robots can fill gaps where people are unwilling or unable to do dangerous or difficult work,” he noted, “but we also need to be mindful about how automation affects jobs and communities.”
Reflecting on his career path, Dr. Grey encouraged students to stay curious and open to unexpected opportunities. “I started out dreaming about spaceflight,” he said, “and I ended up building tools that help robots work together across the world.” Dr. Grey encouraged students to follow what excites them—whether building hardware or designing software. “If you find joy in making something move, or in teaching a system to make smart decisions, pay attention to that,” he advised. “That spark can guide you toward a meaningful path.”
For Loyola students considering futures in science, engineering, or technology, Dr. Grey’s story was both a roadmap and an inspiration. It is a reminder that the most meaningful careers often come from following your values, embracing change, and finding joy in solving challenging problems. Even when plans change, passion and persistence can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Back
That decision led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Robotics at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research centered on humanoid robots—machines with arms and legs designed to move and interact like humans. “Walking is natural for us, but incredibly difficult for robots,” he explained to LA students. His doctoral thesis explored motion planning: how to keep robots upright, moving, and completing tasks without falling or breaking.
Although Dr. Grey once imagined a career in academia, he discovered along the way that he loved building the software tools other researchers needed. That realization led him to Open Robotics, a nonprofit that develops open-source robotics software. His early work focused on simulation—creating virtual environments where algorithms could be tested safely before being deployed on expensive machines. Later, he led the development of Open-RMF, a software framework that enables robots from different manufacturers to coordinate and work together in complex facilities such as hospitals, airports, and manufacturing facilities.
“Historically, companies didn’t want their robots to interact with competitors’ machines,” Dr. Grey told students. “But in real-world environments like hospitals, you need delivery robots, cleaning robots, and security robots to share hallways, elevators, and infrastructure. Our work makes that collaboration possible.”
Since 2018, Dr. Grey has been based in Singapore, where he continues his work in robotics as a software engineering manager for Intrinsic, an Alphabet company. His team focuses on orchestrating autonomous systems, helping fleets of robots cooperate safely and efficiently in diverse industries. “Essentially, our role is to “choreograph a ballet” of robots that seamlessly work together instead of getting in each other’s way,” he said.
For students considering a similar career path, Dr. Grey emphasized the importance of balance between specialization and breadth in STEM careers. “If you’re too specialized, you might miss the bigger picture. But if you’re too general, you might not make a concrete contribution. The sweet spot is knowing your area deeply while understanding how it connects to the larger system.”
Dr. Grey also provided Ramblers with a bigger-picture perspective on technology’s role in society. He discussed the rise of artificial intelligence, the cycles of overhyped promises in the field, and the ethical questions around robotics and labor. “Robots can fill gaps where people are unwilling or unable to do dangerous or difficult work,” he noted, “but we also need to be mindful about how automation affects jobs and communities.”
Reflecting on his career path, Dr. Grey encouraged students to stay curious and open to unexpected opportunities. “I started out dreaming about spaceflight,” he said, “and I ended up building tools that help robots work together across the world.” Dr. Grey encouraged students to follow what excites them—whether building hardware or designing software. “If you find joy in making something move, or in teaching a system to make smart decisions, pay attention to that,” he advised. “That spark can guide you toward a meaningful path.”
For Loyola students considering futures in science, engineering, or technology, Dr. Grey’s story was both a roadmap and an inspiration. It is a reminder that the most meaningful careers often come from following your values, embracing change, and finding joy in solving challenging problems. Even when plans change, passion and persistence can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Loyola Academy
1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089 | 847-256-1100
Loyola Academy admits students of any race, color and national origin or ethnic origin.
© Copyright 2020 Loyola Academy