Autonomous Robots and Vehicles Laboratory

The Autonomous Robots and Vehicles Laboratory (ARVL) was established in the College of Engineering of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to research autonomy, connected vehicles, and coordinated robotics from dynamic systems, artificial intelligence (and machine learning), and intelligent controls perspective. The goal is to develop intelligent machines, such as robots, humanoids, drones, and vehicles, that can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously in coordination with humans and work in groups to accomplish complex tasks. For example, cooperative perception through multi-sensor fusion techniques, communications connectivity, advanced hybrid controls, and AI/ML learning algorithms are used to create intelligent, coordinated mobile robots and vehicles. We also focus on learning from biological systems and human brain functions through signal processing to mimic intelligent motor control.

This lab is an integral part of a larger group at VCU, the RAMs (Robotics, Autonomy, and Mechatronics). This research team’s acronym shares the name with the VCU’s mascot, Rodney the RAM.