New Robotics and AI Lab at Saint Leo University Designed to Give Students Hands-on Time with Robots

Students at Saint Leo University in Florida can now take advantage of a new robotics and AI lab that was built in partnership with RobotLAB Inc., an educational technology company that integrates robots into classrooms.

The new robotics lab, which was unveiled last month, features a variety of stations designed to help students learn about next generations technologies such as drones, humanoid robots, warehouse automation, and autonomous systems used in space.

San Francisco-based RobotLAB said the lab was designed to facilitate hands-on activities to help students have "a unique and rich learning experience to ensure that they are ready for their careers in the 2030s."

Here is a breakdown of each session:

• Smart Transportation

  • This program uses smart and programmable cars and drones with fully loaded sensors for students to develop an understanding of autonomous transportation.

• Humanoid Robotics
  • Students are introduced to humanoid robots, soccer-playing robots, human robot interface, visual perception (face detection, face recognition, object detection, and recognition), and tactile sensing, among other capabilities.
• Industry 4.0
  • Students learn about warehouse automation, sorting and stacking, visual sensing, assembly lines, process automation, and optimization.
• Space Exploration / Robotics
  • This program uses a wide range of engineering concepts, mechanical and electrical assemblies, mechatronics, electronics, and locomotion of the rover.
• Autonomous AI Agent Station
  • Students learn about multi-agent systems, ad hoc autonomous agent teams and machine learning.

The new robotics lab was unveiled last month. Source: RobotLAB

Lab to be used as part of new robotics program

Saint Leo University claims to be one of the country’s largest Catholic universities. It offers 62 degree programs and teaches more than 15,800 students each year.

Derek Mohammad, dean of Saint Leo University’s School of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science, said the new lab falls in line with the introduction of the university’s new bachelors of science program in Robotics and AI.

"We are pleased to introduce a new robotics lab for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in robotics and artificial intelligence," said Mohammed. "Equipped with robots of all kinds and computers, the lab will provide students with the hands-on experience they need to prepare for careers in this high-demand and growing field."

Founded in 2007, RobotLAB said it has helped more than 2,500 schools introduce robotics in the classroom. The company’s flagship product Engage! is online web platform that includes lesson plans centered around robotics.

Eland Inbar, RobotLAB CEO, said the company’s partnership with the Saint Leo University “is about exposing students to a real approach of what they will face in their future jobs.”

“We are excited to see Saint Leo University students prepare for their real post student life," Inbar added.