In a technological university, you’d expect to see robotics take center stage. Robots in electric vehicle development, computer science, and engineering. As the study and application of robotics have taken on greater importance, the College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS) recently established the position of Robotics Research Lab Manager and invited LTU 2019 Mechanical Engineering graduate Devson Butani to step into the new role.
“I’ve been into robotics since high school,” said Butani, who graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and will graduate with a Master of Science in Computer Science in May 2025. “I’ve been working with Dr. Chan-Jin Chung, Ph.D. to manage the Computer Science and AI Robotics Lab.
“I just started my new job on November 15. My job is applying and integrating robotics software into classes that teach AI (artificial intelligence), supporting advanced research and student robotics projects, like helping them figure out all the sensors on the robot and record them as they move around and try to make a map of the floor using that data. I’m also helping with outreach to attract new STEM students to LTU,” Butani explained. “So far, I’ve been organizing all the robots in the lab; building the platform for the self-driving cars; and starting a new program with Dr. Wisam Bukaita at Detroit’s Osborn and Western High Schools to make an electric go-cart.
“There’s a growing demand for robotics in new programs that teach AI. We’re trying to make our robots into AI robots so students can get hands-on experience of how their code would work on a physical robot, particularly since our LTU motto is ‘Theory and Practice’,” Butani said.
Earning his International Baccalaureate in his home country of India, Butana brought with him to LTU exposure to physics, math, business management, and psychology, and experience in robotics competitions. He participated in EV (electric vehicles) and Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) competitions during his undergrad. “I had a ‘little’ industry experience between degrees, but when the pandemic hit, the industry shifted and went quiet for a while,” he explained. “And that’s when I had a lot of extra time to make more robots!”
“In a matter of only a couple of months,” said CoAS Dean Patrick Nelson, Ph.D., “Devson has indeed managed a lot. He’s been involved in many aspects of robotics at LTU, including the self-driving electric vehicle, robotics, and AI, from the engineering and computer science perspectives. We’re excited that he’s so enthusiastic about working so closely to support our students and faculty and bringing this wonderful research and technology to our local high schools.”
