| Title | Bridging Theory and Practice: An Accessible, Hands-on Robotics Platform for Engineering Education |
|---|---|
| Faculty/College/Unit | Applied Science |
| Status | Active |
| Duration | 2 Year |
| Initiation | 04/01/2026 |
| Project Summary | We will bridge the critical gap between theoretical understanding and practical application in robotics education. We will acquire a fleet of modern, research-grade robotic manipulators and develop an integrated, course-ready software ecosystem to support them. Through this two-pronged effort, we will transform how students learn robotics by combining state-of-the-art hardware, AI-accelerated computing, and accessible software tools. Students will move beyond simulation to implement, test, and refine algorithms for manipulation, computer vision, and machine learning on real systems. Our custom platform will streamline setup, enable remote access, and scale across courses, allowing students to focus on higher-level reasoning rather than technical overhead. By embedding hands-on, AI-enabled experimentation within the curriculum, we will deliver a transformative learning experience that provides tangible, industry-relevant skills and positions UBC at the forefront of experiential robotics and artificial intelligence education. |
| Funding Details | |
| Year 1: Project Year | Year 1 |
| Year 1: Funding Year | 2026/2027 |
| Year 1: Project Type | Large TLEF |
| Year 1: Principal Investigator | Tim Salcudean |
| Year 1: Funded Amount | 105,932 |
| Year 1: Team Members | Adrien Desjardins, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) / Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science |