Valkyrie, a humanoid robot developed by NASA, takes determined steps within a blocked off area demarcated by red ropes in Northeastern’s new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex. Close by is a smiling Taskin Padir, associate professor in electrical and computer engineering, who leads the Northeastern research team that will be working to make advances on Valkyrie’s anatomy in preparation for space exploration, including a journey to Mars.

This is the scene of the opening of ISEC. Throngs of attendees gaze in wonder at the white spiral staircase winding to the upper floors of the building and gather around the demonstration of Patient Centered Robocare at the front of the space, where Timothy Bickmore, professor in the College of Computer and Information Science, describes the benefits of automated health counseling in a clinical trial at the Boston Veterans Administration Medical Center in Boston.

James Bean, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, steps to the podium to deliver the opening remarks. The building, designed by the architecture firm Payette, is a “work of innovation that will foster innovation,” he says.

The doors have opened to use-inspired research.