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Drs. Tairan Liu, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Oscar Morales Ponce, Computer Engineering & Computer Science received a $475K grant from the Department of Defense to build a state-of-the art laboratory focusing on coordinated robotics like drone swarms. The award is titled, “Acquisition of a Multi-Agent Experimental Platform for Multifaceted research in Networked Systems and Promoting Workforce Diversity.” 

Dr. Liu describes the project in his own words:

Explaining the Grant

In nature, collective animal behaviors—such as ant colonies, schools of fish, flocks of birds, and wolf packs—play vital roles in defending against predators, searching for food, and migrating over long distances. Drawing inspiration from these natural systems, multi-agent systems aim to address major societal challenges like food security, traffic congestion, an aging population, labor shortages, and limited production capabilities. For example, swarms of drones can monitor and collect data across vast agricultural fields, robotic arms can handle complex operations, and autonomous vehicles can collaborate to enhance road safety. These intelligent agents, working together, accomplish tasks far beyond the abilities of any individual unit. This grant supports the development of a research lab focused on advancing these multi-agent systems.

Project Goals

With this project, we aim to achieve several key goals

• Advance Research in Multi-Agent Systems: By building a state-of-the-art lab focused on multi-agent systems, we hope to push the boundaries of knowledge in areas such as swarm intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems. Our goal is to create solutions that address complex global challenges like food security, traffic management, and the aging population.
• Empower Students: We want to provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, equipping them with critical skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analysis. This project will enable students to engage with real-world applications, preparing them to tackle pressing societal issues through innovative technological solutions.
• Foster Collaboration: Through this project, we aim to build a collaborative research environment where students, faculty, and industry partners can work together. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we hope to create new ideas and approaches to solving current and future problems.
• Enhance Practical Applications: We intend to develop practical systems that can be applied in real-world scenarios, such as agricultural monitoring, automated transportation, and manufacturing. Our focus is not only on theoretical advancements but also on creating tangible solutions that can improve industries and society.

In summary, we hope to contribute to the development of a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced future through the integration of multi-agent systems.

Impact on Students

By engaging directly with cutting-edge technologies like drone swarms, robotic arms, and autonomous vehicles, they will gain hands-on experience with systems shaping the future. Students will develop valuable skills in programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence, equipping them for careers in industries such as precision agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. Additionally, working in a multi-agent lab fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills essential for tackling tomorrow's grand challenges. Our students will not only gain technical expertise but also the ability to apply these technologies to real-world problems, preparing them to become leaders and innovators in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.