Robotics Engineering | Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Robotics Engineering Department

WPI is at the forefront of integrated robotics research and education with the Robotics Engineering Department, which is the first-of-its-kind in the nation and the most comprehensive in the world and with the largest student population seeking BS, MS, and PhD degrees. The Robotics Engineering Department has the largest market share in MS graduates in the nation in 2023.

Robotics is defined as embodied intelligence, encompassing artificial intelligence and physical intelligence. Our pioneering approach to research and education is built on the foundation of advancing science and engineering to build better robots and robotic systems of the future. We have graduated thousands of roboticists and continue to prepare students for a future robotics workforce to tackle the technical, social, cultural, and ethical challenges that remain dynamic and constantly changing.

Our research philosophy is unique since we not only conduct scientific discovery but also provide engineering solutions to tackle the problems of today to have an impact tomorrow. This also percolates into our educational regime: we provide extensive hands-on experience in all our courses with state-of-the-art lab facilities. We prioritize space for experimentation, and we foster competitive student teams that routinely win international robotics awards.

From left, Cagdas Onal, PhD student Gabrielle Conard, and post-doctoral researcher Shoushan Chiang

WPI Researchers to Develop Robotic Arm for Wheelchairs

Inspired by origami, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) robotics engineering researchers are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that will enable a wheelchair user to safely grasp, lift, and carry objects that would otherwise be out of reach.

Jing Xiao Presents Plenary Talk at IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration

Jing Xiao, Robotics Engineering Department Head, Deans’ Excellence Professor and William B. Smith Distinguished Fellow in Robotics Engineering, was a plenary speaker at IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration. IEEE/SICE SII is the “premier symposium series presenting the state-of-the-art and future perspectives of system integration, where industry experts, researchers, and academics share ideas and experiences surrounding frontier technologies, breakthroughs, and innovative solutions and applications.”

Kevin Leahy receives Air Force award via MIT Lincoln Lab

Robotics Engineering Assistant Professor Kevin Leahy recently received a new award entitled "Safe and Adaptive Swarm Coordination" from the Air Force via the MIT Lincoln Lab. He received the first installment of the award which totals about $75k for one year.

Lab Link Here