Stanford Students Innovate with AI-Powered Quadruped Robots in CS 123

In an exciting blend of engineering and artificial intelligence (AI), students at Stanford University have been crafting AI-powered quadruped robots, affectionately named 'Pupper,' during their course CS 123: A Hands-On Introduction to Building AI-Enabled Robots. This innovative course, which has gained traction in its third year, empowers students to design and enhance their robotic creations as they explore fundamental robotics and AI concepts.

The course, which runs for ten weeks, provides students with a starter hardware kit and integrates theoretical lessons with practical applications. According to Professor Karen Liu, a faculty member in the School of Engineering and one of the course instructors, the aim is to inspire students to delve into the world of robotics through hands-on experience. "We believe that the best way to help and inspire students to become robotics experts is to have them build a robot from scratch," Liu stated. "This specific quadruped design is the perfect introductory platform for beginners to dive into robotics while being powerful enough to support advanced AI algorithms."

Students in CS 123 engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes motor control, machine learning, and advanced AI functionalities. The course culminates in a capstone project where students showcase their Puppers performing specialized tasks, such as navigating a maze or simulating firefighting operations. This year's projects were presented during the 'Dog and Pony Show,' an event attended by industry experts from NVIDIA and Google.

Jie Tan, a co-instructor from Google DeepMind, emphasized the importance of making robotics accessible to students with varying levels of programming experience. "The course has a low barrier to entry, allowing students to build their skills progressively and tackle complex AI challenges," Tan noted. The curriculum has evolved from an independent project initiated by the Stanford Student Robotics Club, which previously developed a simpler robot called Doggo. The transition to Pupper marks a significant enhancement, focusing on user engagement and educational effectiveness.

As students work through the course, they not only learn technical skills but also cultivate creativity and problem-solving abilities. Ankush Kundan Dhawan, a head teaching assistant and one of the first students to take the course, commented on the instructors' dedication to hands-on learning. "What really stuck with me was the passion that instructors had to help students get hands-on with real robots. That kind of dedication is very powerful."

The course's appeal lies not only in its engaging content but also in the growing demand for skilled robotics professionals. Liu and her colleagues anticipate that interest in robotics will continue to surge, particularly as more students recognize the practical applications of AI in various industries. "We want to inspire our students to become future innovators and leaders in this exciting, ever-evolving field," said Stuart Bowers, another course instructor and industry expert from Apple.

Looking ahead, the instructors plan to expand the course offerings and integrate new technologies to keep pace with advancements in the field. As the landscape of AI robotics evolves, the commitment to making these technologies accessible to a broader audience remains a priority. "Now is the time to make the integration of AI and robotics accessible to more students," Bowers emphasized. "This effort starts here at Stanford, and we hope to see it grow beyond campus, too."

In addition to the educational impact, the Puppers are making waves outside the classroom. Recently, Stanford students and researchers collaborated with industry leaders to showcase their robotic creations at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, where the playful bots brought joy to young patients. This initiative highlights the broader societal benefits of robotics and AI as tools for enhancing human well-being and engagement.

Through innovative courses like CS 123, Stanford continues to position itself at the forefront of robotics education, preparing the next generation of engineers and technologists for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this dynamic field.