UT Austin launches robotics program for freshmen

(TNS) — The University of Texas at Austin is now accepting first-year students directly into its robotics program.

UT officials said this is likely the first robotics bachelor’s degree program in the country to which high school students can apply directly through the Common App or Apply Texas portals.

High school seniors interested in this topic will be able to enroll in the program during the college admissions process.

Robotics students at the University of Tennessee choose to major in engineering or computer science and minor in robotics while completing hands-on research projects.

Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that “doesn’t fit neatly into any one department at a university,” said Peter Stone, the program’s director. “It serves students who not only want to get a basic degree in engineering or computer science, but also want to gain a broader understanding of robotics.”

The program currently has approximately 200 students taking classes in five areas: hardware, programming, modeling and control, sensing, perception and planning, and machine learning.

Before this change, students had to first be accepted to the University of Tennessee and then apply to the robotics program as freshmen or sophomores.

Now, students who know they want to pursue robotics can enroll at UT knowing they will be part of the program without having to fill out additional application forms later.

Accepted students will begin robotics research during their freshman year at The University of Texas and will begin a graduate program during their sophomore year.

Stone expects the program to be competitive.

“We’re not going to limit ourselves to students who have had some robotics experience,” Stone said. “There are a lot of students who don’t have that experience but still have a strong aptitude for science and education and are excited about robotics.”

Interested students must submit an essay describing their interest in the field.

Stone said the robotics industry is growing and companies are looking for workers to work in industrial and home robotics.

Industrial robotics covers machines designed for manufacturing and business, while domestic robotics focuses on consumer products such as robotic vacuum cleaners.

Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to work in industry or continue postgraduate studies in this field.

“With unparalleled teaching and research opportunities, as well as access to our internationally renowned faculty and employer network, these students will experience the academic excellence and real-world preparation for which our university is known from day one,” UT President Jay Hartzell said in a statement.

“We are creating a first-class, unique educational and experiential program for students seeking to enter this fascinating and evolving field,” Hartzell added.

Students can apply to the program through the Common App or Apply Texas. The deadline is December 1.

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