Department of Advanced Technologies Hosts a Robotics Competition
Left photo: The first annual robotics competition sponsored by the Department of Advanced Technologies was held on March 2, 2016. Reviewing one of many posters are from the left, Dr. Erol Sarigul, associate professor; Caleb Stead, senior, robotics and automation technology major; Dr. Angel Skinner, assistant professor and robotics competition chair; Matrellis McDowell, freshmen, who has a double major in electrical mechanical /robotics and automation technology. Not shown: Detrique Sims, senior, robotics and automation technology major. The event was held in the Kenneth L. Simmons, Sr. Technology Building.
Right photo: Oluwafemi Oloko, graduate computer networking and information technology student, and winner of the robotics competition receives a certificate and an assortment of gift items from Dr. Steve Adzanu, associate professor.
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On March 2, 2016, the Alcorn State University Department of Advanced Technologies hosted its first robotics competition, according to Dr. Angel Skinner, assistant professor and robotics competition chair.
“We started the first annual robotics competition because our department wants our students to get involved with campus activities and become more interested in robotics, automation, and technology,” said Dr. Skinner.
The competition included five teams where topics ranged from robotics studies on surveillance to automated speech recognition technology. Students in the competition were given three weeks to work on their projects before presenting them in the competition for a chance to win a prize of $50 and an assortment of treats.
The winner of the competition was Oluwafemi Oloko, a graduate student from Nigeria majoring in computer networking and information technology. The winning presentation titled, “Hurlocks Home Automated Speech Recognition,” presented an inexpensive Arduino computer “brain” system which Oloko improved upon.
Oloko designed a wireless, voice recognition driven remote control, designed to help the disabled operate their homes. The remote control, which works with software, would operate all appliances that use infrared radiation within the home through voice commands. The device, also, regulates temperature without human intervention.
“I hope to bring this project to reality,” he expressed. “I have a passion for helping the disabled live a better life.”
For more information on this event and the field of robotics, automation and technology, contact Dr. Angel Skinner at [email protected] or 601-877-2345.
