Ali Momeni
Engineering, Product, and Design Leadership in AI and Robotics
Summary
Ali Momeni is a unique blend of artist, engineer, and academic, deeply rooted in the intersection of technology and creative arts. His early career as an experimental artist involved building musical instruments and sculptures, evolving from sound art into visual art, often incorporating kinetics, electronics, and software. He has directed art festivals and founded collectives focused on urban projection and interactive installations, demonstrating a consistent dedication to merging artistic expression with technological innovation. alimomeni+4
His academic career spans multiple prestigious institutions, including assistant professorships at the University of Minnesota, an associate professorship at Carnegie Mellon University (where he founded CMU ArtFab and contributed to the IDEATE and Music Technology programs), and a Professor of Practice role at Brown University. He holds a PhD in Computer Music from UC Berkeley, showcasing a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of his interdisciplinary work. His current affiliation as a visiting scholar at CNMAT, UC Berkeley, further emphasizes his ongoing engagement with cutting-edge research. alimomeni+3
Momeni's professional focus has significantly shifted towards AI and robotics, particularly at Shield AI, where he has held roles as Senior Principal Scientist, Senior Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, and currently Engineering Fellow. He leads user services and experiences, advocating for a human-centered design approach in AI systems. His work involves spearheading generative AI initiatives for robotics and autonomy, contributing to the development of unified AI-powered toolchains for robotic autonomy. shield+2
His research interests are broad, encompassing human-machine-interaction, interactive tools for music-making, storytelling, experiential learning, educational technologies, performative applications of robotics, playful urban interventions, interactive projection performance, machine learning for artists and designers, and the intersection of sound, music, and health. He is also the co-founder of IRL Labs, an educational technology startup, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit alongside his artistic and academic pursuits. alimomeni+2
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
How to Design for AI (Interview)
August 1, 2018A conversation with Ali Momeni as Senior Principal Scientist at Shield AI, discussing his transition from creative arts to AI, his role in user services and experience, and his human-centered design philosophy in the context of robotics and autonomy.
Composing Instruments: Inventing and Performing with Generative Computer-based Instruments
January 1, 2005PhD dissertation exploring music composition as the act of building instruments. It discusses interdisciplinary approaches, the role of gesture, real-time generative software, and the interaction between performer and instrument. It details projects such as an opera accompaniment for 'Takemitsu: My Way of Life' and an interactive installation, '...in memory of Leah Deni.'