ALAMOSA – Smiling, frowning, angry, or excited, the Einstein-looking head reflects the emotion on the face of the programmer. Two high school students, one from the state of Florida, and five Adams State University junior computer science majors, with guidance from Dr. Matt Ikle, professor of computer science, develop artificial intelligence and social-emotional programming for robots.

This is the final year of the three-year Department of Defense Army Research Office (ARO) grant. Students in the Summer Research Internship Program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Social and Emotional Robotics interact with research groups around the world, according to Ikle. Interns engage in hands-on, directed research opportunities to encompass numerous Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and their integration with robotics.

The interns work out of the Maker Space, located on the Adams State campus. George Sellman, assistant professor of computer science, Comfort Cover and Jennifer Allgeier also assist the interns. The Maker Space is available for individuals or groups to work on projects, large or small. For more information email Sellman at [email protected].

Caption: Pictured, from left, foreground, Tyler Erzen and Grace Liu consult with Dr. Matt Ikle on an Einstein AI while Sam Regnier, Casey Carnaghi, and George Selman work on additional programs./Courtesy photo by Linda Relyea