There’s a new resident on the Georgia Southern University campus, housed inside the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing: A humanoid robot designed to serve as a cornerstone for advanced research and applied, hands-on classroom learning for students.
According to a release from Georgia Southern, the robot expands robotics and artificial intelligence initiatives. Unlike traditional industrial robots, the platform is designed to interact in human environments, giving students and faculty opportunities to study human-robot interaction, machine learning and autonomous navigation, the release stated.
“This is more than just a piece of equipment; it is a catalyst for innovation at Georgia Southern,” said Rami Haddad, Ph.D., former interim dean of the Paulson College of Engineering and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Students across multiple disciplines, including computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology, will collaborate on programming, maintaining and optimizing the platform.
“By integrating this humanoid robot into our classrooms and research laboratories, we are giving students hands-on experience with the technologies that are transforming engineering, computing and industry across the world,” Haddad said.
The capabilities position Georgia Southern graduates to help meet the growing demand for talent at the region’s logistics centers, automated ports and advanced manufacturing facilities, the release stated.
“Investments in advanced technologies like this humanoid robot reinforce Georgia Southern’s commitment to preparing students for the future of work while strengthening the university’s impact on the region,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.
The robot will be housed in a specialized, multidisciplinary laboratory that will serve as a shared resource for undergraduate projects, master’s theses and faculty-led research.
“Our new robot will enhance interdisciplinary research, strengthen experiential learning and equip our graduates with the knowledge and expertise needed to lead in the rapidly evolving fields of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence,” said Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.
The campus community may also catch a glimpse of the robot going to class, working in the labs and walking around campus.