From lab to land: how hands-on computer science is building the future

This fall, Georgia State’s incoming freshman class is one of the largest ever, with 52,000 students across the university. With more than 3,000 computer science majors, the fast-growing program is preparing students for today’s tech-driven demands.

For them, learning extends far beyond coding and keyboards. They’ll be designing and building robotics, developing apps, testing sensors and diving into cutting-edge research that prepares them for the workforce.

“In computer science, the best learning happens when students get to experiment with actual devices, troubleshoot problems and see their code come to life,” says Ashwin Ashok, an associate professor of computer science and associate director of his department’s graduate studies program. “When you come to Georgia State, you are going to have hands-on access to learning,” he says.

Ashok leads the Mobile and Robotics Systems Experiential (MORSE) Research Studio — a lab where, he says, science meets art.

“Students are not just doing technical work, they’re creating something new. I think the process of building and experimenting in robotics or systems research is very much like that of an artist. It requires not just technical knowledge but imagination and problem-solving — like an artist creating a masterpiece,” he says.

Building Ideas, One Robot at a Time

Inside the lab, students are developing code and using 3D printers along with conceptualizing, developing and assembling robots. A key focus is robotics in agriculture, which Ashok calls “a cool intersection of tech and tradition.” He and his students work on three main types of robotics for land: soil sensors, camera-based soil quality analyzers and remote-controlled vehicles.

These robots look like futuristic, off-road vehicles with chunky tires and electric sensors. They integrate technologies like soil moisture detectors and neuromorphic cameras, which mimic how the human brain processes visual information and detects movement.

The goal of the research is to build a low-cost robot that autonomously navigates agricultural fields to collect soil quality data, particularly on its temperature and moisture content. The data can then be organized to help farmers reduce manual labor and make easier decisions about when to water, fertilize and farm their land.

The research teams have developed several versions of the robots: a large model for heavy-duty fieldwork, a smaller version for navigating tighter spaces and a handheld model — essentially a modified cane equipped with a sensor and an on-off switch — for in-person inspections.

“Our students have to consider how the robot moves. Can it navigate uneven terrain or climb hills? Does it have the power and stability to handle different environments?,” Ashok explains.

The machines can be controlled by a joystick or keyboard, or there’s even an optional autonomous mode. So, in theory, a farmer could send his robot to the field and monitor the soil from the comfort of his barn.

The team also uses code to design systems that record sensor information accurately for later analysis and improvements. “It’s not just about making the robot work one time but ensuring it can keep collecting useful data over time,” Ashok adds.

These challenges teach students to think critically about mechanical design, software integration and data management. They also equip graduates with a competitive edge in industries ranging from data science and robotics to telecommunications and environmental sensing.

From Fields to the Future

Another thing these students are learning is that innovation never stops. New technology, new use cases and new tools are always becoming available, and students must learn to work with them. Right now, for example, a big focus is on cameras.

“With certain cameras, you can potentially identify many soil properties, including temperature and moisture, without even touching the ground,” Ashok explains. That is useful for farmers, but the opportunities for this type of technology go far beyond agriculture.

Abbaas Nishar (Ph.D. ’25) now works as a senior data scientist at Capital One. During his studies, he focused on neuromorphic cameras.

“We successfully demonstrated that neuromorphic cameras could improve real-time object detection and communication efficiency, laying the groundwork for future advancements in this area,” says Nishar. “This is instrumental work for multiple warehouse efficiency applications and was a cornerstone of my experience at Georgia State. It provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and fostered a collaborative spirit that shaped my approach to research and problem-solving.”

Because the goal of the lab is to foster problem-solving through exploration, one of the unique aspects of these projects is their low cost, which makes continuous, hands-on innovation accessible to students.

The team uses elements like the Raspberry Pi (a tiny, affordable computer) and 3D parts printed onsite, without needing access to pricey machines and equipment.

“We focus on using accessible, low-cost technology so our students can experiment, fail and continually improve without worrying about a costly budget,” Ashok says.

The lab thrives on a constant influx of new students who bring fresh perspectives and energy, fueling a steady cycle of innovation. As one group graduates, the next picks up the work and drives it forward.

This passing of the torch ensures that each cohort builds on previous work, refining designs, solving new problems and advancing technology. It’s a collaborative process that mirrors real-world research and development.

One standout student researcher is Nahom Abera, a rising senior in computer science, who is developing an app for the Smart Mobile Robot for Soil Temperature and Moisture Data Collection project. His work bridges both hardware and software, enabling remote controls and other functions.

“I joined Dr. Ashok’s lab just hoping to gain hands-on experience, and my initial project idea was vague,” Abera says. “But through collaboration and iteration, we shaped it into something meaningful. It’s helped me sharpen my problem-solving mindset, strengthen my critical thinking and see how computer science applies in the real world.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

Mentorship in the MORSE Studio extends beyond just college students. Ashok also hosts student interns from high schools around metro Atlanta, including the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GSMST), offering them an early look at research and robotics.

“Dr. Ashok hosted several of our interns within his labs. His mentorship was invaluable to them in determining pathways after high school,” said Rebecca Robbins, the partnership and internship coordinator at the STEM-focused public school in Lawrenceville, Ga.

“He also took time to speak to our ninth-grade students as one of our partnership speakers and his discussions of the applications of computer science within robotics and other systems helped our students understand the vast array of careers available for them.”

Beyond Land: Exploring New Frontiers

The lab’s research isn’t limited to earthbound robotics. They’re also building drone-based robots and diving into underwater communications, experimenting with ultraviolet light and neuromorphic cameras to send data where traditional radio waves fail.

Ashok’s team is also pushing the boundaries of sensing and remote monitoring, with a network of radon gas sensors designed for Atlanta’s urban environment.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Ashok sees new possibilities for his research and his students.

“We’re just scratching the surface of what neuromorphic cameras and robotics can do. From underwater communication to environmental sensing and even space technology, there’s a world of discovery waiting,” he says.

The lab is already exploring collaborations with the Physics and Astronomy and Geosciences departments at Georgia State, and is planning CubeSat (nanosatellite) projects, setting the stage for breakthroughs that could extend far beyond campus.