There is a need to expose students to practical problem solving methods taught in computer science classes. This project will create an Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory for teaching undergraduate students the theory and application of artificial intelligence methods to solve large scale real world problems. The laboratory will consist of four NeXT stations, a NeXT cube, a NeXT dimension, a B12 Mobile Robot and artificial intelligence software. The software to control the B12 Mobile robot will be developed and downloaded directly from the NeXT systems, allowing students to concentrate primarily on the practical aspects of problem solving. The laboratory will be integrated into the course work by dividing the lectures into class and laboratory sessions. The class lectures will concentrate on the theoretical aspects of artificial intelligence methods and the laboratory sessions will consist of experiments that allow the students to experience the theory and its interaction with the real world. The main objectives and salient features of the laboratory are: 1) providing at least 40 students a year the opportunity to solve large scale real world problems using state-of-the-art systems and artificial intelligence software; 2) exposing students to theoretical and practical aspects of artificial intelligence methods for problem solving; and 3) providing a laboratory facility for interdepartmental use of equipment, independent projects and future course development.Since all the equipment and software used in this laboratory are commercially available, these experiments can be duplicated by other institutions. The results from this project will be reported in professional journals.
