There is a variety of laboratory equipment that will allow the development of robotic platforms for demonstrations of “proof of concept”. All equipment and robotic platforms should be handled with the utmost care and students should apply sound judgment in their use and handling. We have helicopter kits, submarine kits, and several other interesting “toys” that will be fun to play with. The goal of course is how to transform these “conventional toys” into “intelligent toys”. As a consequence our aim should become one of making breakthroughs in the architecture and design of intelligent systems.

Projection Screen: We intend using a wide screen monitor for a variety of purposes to increase the creative ability of students working on NASA projects. All NASA presentations are created for best viewing on large screen format. The lab will acquire the latest NASA documentaries (e.g. recent landing of two MARS rovers) and allow students to view these documentaries to understand NASA’s mission, and stimulate innovative thinking among students. Computer animated robotic platforms are better viewed on large screen format and allows better resolution of platform conflicts. The screen will also serve as a teaching tool during in-class presentations of projects. Video-conferencing with NASA is also made convenient.

Sound System: Our objective is to have a good sound system that can reproduce original sound quality. The purpose of this is to allow the generation of acoustic signals caused by land, air, and marine mammals and use these signals towards the development of environmentally benign bio-inspired sensors and sensory systems technologies.

Computers: To effectively run a teaching laboratory we need at least 6 computers. Our aim is to allow at most 2 students in a group effort. As such we can handle a laboratory with 12 students.

Cameras and Video: These are basic sensor equipment for a robotics laboratory. Vision is the primary tool for all or many robotic platforms. We have already a number of projects that are underway each of which will require one or more cameras. We have a variety of cameras that will be used for test, evaluation, and prototype development. The applications are very broad and are listed below for reference:

• Autonomous vision-based navigation of land and aerial vehicles
• Biometric sensing (Human/face recognition)
• Intelligent traffic management

Assorted Robot kits, Sensors, and Microcontrollers: We will have a variety of platforms over which we can conduct experiments. Helicopters, planes, and submarine kits will allow students to develop autonomous systems. A wide range of sensors and microcontrollers are needed for rapid prototyping of various underwater, aerial, and underground robotic platforms. Our goal is to become involved in a wide range of bio-inspired technology development. This will allow us to develop the necessary curriculum that is well complemented by laboratory experiments. A wide range of projects are foreseen and the following are being addressed:

• Bio-Inspired Technologies for voice/hearing impaired and
• Vision impaired
• Underwater, aerial, and underground robotics
• Bio-morphic sensors
• Chemical Sensing

Virtual Reality System: A basic system will allow students to develop advanced VR systems as training tools for NASA missions in a micro gravity environment. Student research in this area will demonstrate our capability to conduct advanced research and development in the area of Brain-Machine interfaces.