QU Opens Expanded Robotics Lab
Students in the Quincy University Computer Science and Cybersecurity Programs are entering the 2020 fall semester with a new lab and an expanded array of resources for exploring robotics and virtual reality.
The Robotics and Virtual Reality (VR) Lab features a wide range of devices that can be programmed in a variety of languages. They include QU’s second Nao robot (v6) and an Anki Cozmo learning robot, as well as 20 Marty robots that can be customized using the university’s 3-D printer. The items are housed in a redesigned and renovated lab that features convenient areas for conducting individual and group projects.
“Our students will benefit from having this lab in STEM education,” said Husam Ghazaleh, M.S., assistant professor of computer science. “The robotic industry is growing faster than expected, and the demand for robot programmers and engineers is growing too. This lab will help our students to develop the necessary STEM skills to prepare them for the future job market.”
Ghazaleh has developed two lab-related courses, one that will debut this fall. Students will be able to pursue research in computer vision; motion planning; real-time algorithms for measurement, prediction, and control; computer programming for robotics, and machine learning.
The new learning materials and the lab have been made possible by a grant from the U.S.D.E. Title III-A Strengthening Institutions program. The five-year, $2.25 million grant was awarded in October 2018.
Scholarships are still available for the 2020 fall semester. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@quincy.edu or 217-222-8020.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is celebrating 160 years as a Catholic, co-educational, liberal arts, residential university. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with each student to design a customized success plan to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. Quincy University’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information, please contact the Quincy University Office of Community Relations by calling (217) 228-5275. Quincy University. Success by Design.