The California Institute of Technology has opened its Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST). The 10,000-square-foot facility at the private university allows researchers to work on new technology for autonomous systems. Engineers will build and test out drones while robots learn how to help run the facility. Among the features at CAST is a three-story high indoor drone arena, where researchers train drones to adapt to different environments. A wall of nearly 1,300 fans can create wind speeds of up to 44 mph. The arena can also replicate rain, fog and various wind conditions. "The goal is to teach autonomous systems to think independently and react accordingly, preparing them for the rigors of the world outside of the lab," director Mory Gharib said. - LATIMES