Recently, our students got an extraordinary look at real-world robotics in action thanks to Sgt. Andy Urbiel and the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad.

Sgt. Urbiel brought the full setup — trucks, robots, and UAV drones — to show our students firsthand what the work looks like in the field. From navigating dangerous scenarios to operating specialized equipment, our students saw the practical applications of robotics, teamwork, and problem-solving in action.

Our students proudly demonstrated our REEFSCAPE competition robot, which definitely cycled faster than Sgt. Urbiel!

We are incredibly grateful to Sgt. Urbiel and the Michigan State Police for taking the time to share their knowledge and passion with our students. Experiences like these give our team a unique perspective on how the skills they’re developing in the lab translate to real-life missions that make a difference in our communities.

Thank you for inspiring the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers!