This fall, Georgia State University has enrolled one of its largest freshman classes, with 52,000 students across the institution and over 3,000 majoring in computer science. The university’s computer science program is focusing on hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in technology-driven fields.
At the Mobile and Robotics Systems Experiential (MORSE) Research Studio, led by Associate Professor Ashwin Ashok, students are designing and building robotic prototypes for various applications, including agriculture. Ashok emphasized the importance of practical experience: “In computer science, the best learning happens when students get to experiment with actual devices, troubleshoot problems and see their code come to life,” he said. “When you come to Georgia State, you are going to have hands-on access to learning.”
The MORSE Studio provides opportunities for students to work on projects that blend technical knowledge with creativity. “Students are not just doing technical work, they’re creating something new. I think the process of building and experimenting in robotics or systems research is very much like that of an artist. It requires not just technical knowledge but imagination and problem-solving — like an artist creating a masterpiece,” Ashok said.
A significant focus in the lab is developing robotics for agricultural use. The team works on soil sensors, camera-based soil quality analyzers, and remote-controlled vehicles designed to collect data such as soil temperature and moisture content autonomously. These robots utilize technologies like neuromorphic cameras that mimic human brain processing to improve data collection efficiency.
Ashok explained some of the challenges involved: “Our students have to consider how the robot moves. Can it navigate uneven terrain or climb hills? Does it have the power and stability to handle different environments?” The lab has produced several versions of these robots—including large field models, smaller units for tight spaces, and handheld devices—using affordable components like Raspberry Pi computers and 3D-printed parts.
Student researcher Nahom Abera described his experience: “I joined Dr. Ashok’s lab just hoping to gain hands-on experience, and my initial project idea was vague. But through collaboration and iteration, we shaped it into something meaningful. It’s helped me sharpen my problem-solving mindset, strengthen my critical thinking and see how computer science applies in the real world.”
Former student Abbaas Nishar noted the impact of his work with neuromorphic cameras at Georgia State: “We successfully demonstrated that neuromorphic cameras could improve real-time object detection and communication efficiency, laying the groundwork for future advancements in this area,” Nishar said. “This is instrumental work for multiple warehouse efficiency applications and was a cornerstone of my experience at Georgia State. It provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and fostered a collaborative spirit that shaped my approach to research and problem-solving.”
The MORSE Studio also hosts high school interns from around metro Atlanta to introduce them early to research opportunities in robotics. Rebecca Robbins from Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology commented on this outreach: “Dr. Ashok hosted several of our interns within his labs. His mentorship was invaluable to them in determining pathways after high school.” She added that his talks about career options helped younger students understand potential futures in technology fields.
Research at MORSE Studio extends beyond land-based robotics; projects include drone development, underwater communications using ultraviolet light signals where radio waves do not work well, as well as urban environmental monitoring through radon gas sensors.
Looking forward, Ashok sees continued expansion into areas such as environmental sensing and space technology through collaborations within Georgia State’s Physics & Astronomy and Geosciences departments.
Ashwin Ashok serves as president of IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Atlanta chapter; he received a National Science Foundation CAREER award in 2022 for advancing optical wireless communication technologies.
