Meet AIRA - NUST's Latest AI Robot
An advanced robot designed to immerse students in the fundamentals of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) was recently introduced to the campus community. The Bot is part of the University’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator (AIRA) - befittingly, her name is also AIRA.
Head of NUST’s Computer Science Department, Edward Nepolo, explained AIRA’s current abilities, which are intended to introduce students to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) through a practical lens. "AIRA can patrol, record audio and video as she navigates her surroundings, set reminders, project information, and respond to voice commands. These foundational functions allow students to explore the complexities of automation and robot interactions,” he said excitedly.
Benefits for Students
AIRA enables students to examine how humans can work alongside robotic systems, an essential area of study within HCI. Currently, Honours students and an exchange student from Aalborg University in Denmark are investigating how humans can trust interactions with robots, focusing on building confidence in such digital collaborations. This hands-on approach helps students gain a realistic understanding of how robots can be allies in tasks requiring precision, repetition, and responsiveness.
Preparing for Future AI Programmes
AIRA’s functions align directly with upcoming AI programmes at the University. These programmes will cover advanced topics in machine learning, robotics, and AI automation, giving students a solid foundation in data-driven decision-making and environmental data collection for localisation of tasks. Nepolo noted: “AIRA enables students to see how robots use technologies like Machine Learning for real-world applications, from collecting data to executing precise actions".
There are plans to enhance AIRA’s capabilities, allowing it to address specific campus challenges in the future.
