Inside Innovation: MAGE Students Dive into Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics at NIST

On October 30, 2024, Canitria Cook, Coordinator for Academic Affairs, and Sonja Dietrich, Associate Director for Academic Affairs at Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE), coordinated with faculty member Dr. Zeid Kootbally for a site visit to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. Dr. Kootbally, who leads the NIST Automated Vehicles project and co-leads the Agility Performance of Robotic Systems project, provided MAGE students with a firsthand look at cutting-edge research and developments in autonomous vehicles and robotic systems. The visit was part of MAGE’s commitment to giving students real-world insights and connections within the field of engineering, showcasing the powerful impact of collaboration between academia and industry.

During the visit, students toured NIST’s advanced robotics labs and test facilities, observing the intricate processes involved in testing the agility and reliability of robotic systems. Dr. Kootbally guided the students through various demonstrations, showing how innovations in robotics are being applied to address real-world challenges. This hands-on experience allowed the students to deepen their understanding of automated vehicle technology and agile robotic performance, bridging classroom learning with practical applications. The visit was an invaluable opportunity for students to see theory in action, equipping them with insights that will inform their future careers in engineering.

Published October 31, 2024