Exploring Robotics at UCF: Activities, Opportunities, and Community Engagement

The University of Central Florida (UCF) fosters a vibrant environment for students and the community to engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through various initiatives. Guided by the core values of integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence, UCF is committed to promoting STEM research and opportunities. The Robotics Club at UCF stands out as a key platform for students to apply their knowledge, participate in competitions, and contribute to community outreach.

The Robotics Club at UCF: A Hub for Innovation

The Robotics Club at UCF is a registered student organization that provides students with the chance to apply their education through the creation of unmanned systems. These systems participate in competitions sponsored by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). Students collaborate to develop autonomous ground and surface vehicles capable of navigating complex terrain and performing advanced mission objectives. The STTC (Simulation Training & Technology Center) and the ACTIVE Lab provide mentorship, facilities, and funding for these students.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The creation of these advanced robotic systems requires collaboration between students from various disciplines, including Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering/Science. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to learn how to work within a team and integrate a variety of technologies. The experience students acquire collaborating on these projects is invaluable and prepares them for future STEM careers.

Success in Competitions

The hard work and dedication of the Robotics Club members have led to significant achievements in competitions. These systems, built by combinations of Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering/Science students, have gone on to win multiple awards, including 2nd place in the 2013 RoboBoats competition.

STEM Outreach and Community Engagement

UCF extends its commitment to STEM beyond the university campus through various outreach programs and events.

Otronicon: Celebrating Interactive Technology

Otronicon is an annual four-day event that celebrates interactive technology and its impact on society. It showcases the latest military and commercial simulators and video gaming technology. A key feature of Otronicon is the interactive demonstrations of new and upcoming technologies. The Robotics Club often participates in Otronicon, offering engaging exhibits.

Reconfigurable Robot Obstacle Course

To spark interest in autonomous robots, a reconfigurable robot obstacle course was developed. This exhibit featured small robots that could read portable road signs, allowing visitors to reconfigure the route and redirect the robot. A large display demonstrated the robots' computer vision and path planning algorithms in real-time, teaching participants how robots "see" and make decisions.

Gesture Control Demonstration

In addition to the live robot exhibit, a looping video demonstrated gesture control of the four-legged BigDog robot developed by Boston Dynamics. This exhibit showcased the cutting-edge advancements in robotics and the potential for human-robot interaction.

Spark STEM Fest: Inspiring Future Scientists and Engineers

UCF's Office of Research hosts the Spark STEM Fest, an event designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The Robotics Club of Central Florida partners with UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) to showcase TapeMeasure, their Boston Dynamics Spot robot, at Spark STEM Fest. Visitors can see live demonstrations, learn how Spot is used in research and industry, and get an inside look at modern robotics in action.

College of Sciences: Explore the Sciences in Action

UCF's College of Sciences brings hands-on discovery to life through interactive exhibits led by faculty and students. Visitors can explore how science shapes our world-from nature and space to energy, technology, and the human mind.

Robots Up Close: Humanoid and Robot Dog Interactive Demo

Visitors can meet two cutting-edge robots up close: a humanoid robot and a Unitree Go1 robot dog. Through short, supervised demonstrations, visitors can see how robots stand, balance, walk, and respond to commands. The team explains the key building blocks of robotics, including motors, sensors, and control systems, and how engineers design for safety when robots operate around people. Attendees can ask questions, learn how robots are tested in the lab, and discover how robotics research supports assistive technology, mobility, and real-world automation.

Robotics Competition Programs for Younger Students

The Robotics Club also supports students in grades pre-K through 12 through after-school robotics competition programs in the UCFSD (UCF School District).

FIRST LEGO League (FLL)

FLL provides students from grades pre-K to 8 with the ability to learn through advanced challenges in real-world problem-solving and advanced engineering concepts. Using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 platform, students compete on a field of missions requiring fully autonomous robot operation. They learn about software development and mechanical engineering concepts such as gear ratios, inversions, and differentials, as well as mathematical concepts such as calculating degree of rotation and relation to precise navigation of the robot.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

FTC provides students in grades 7 through 12 with further advancement in engineering. Students learn Computer Aided Design (CAD) and application of engineering principles in the development of robotics solutions, management of projects, fiscal management and accounting, and project management. In FTC, students learn further advanced concepts of programming/software development as well as mechanical and electrical fundamentals with DC Controllers for motor and servo control.

GEMiNi: A Mentorship Program for Graduate Students

Recognizing the importance of mentorship, UCF offers the GEMiNi program to support the personal, professional, and academic growth of students in master’s or doctoral programs. The key component of the GEMiNi program is mentorship. Students who are seeking a mentor fill out a Mentee Intake Form with information about the type of guidance and support they seek. Graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, or faculty who wish to serve as mentors can fill out a Mentor Registration Form with mentoring topics they wish to discuss and their contact information. There are three different levels to the mentorship model: Constellation, where senior-level graduate students can mentor incoming graduate students; Supernova, where postdocs can mentor graduate students; or Starlight, where faculty can mentor grad students.

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