By MC1 Lewis Hunsaker

Dr. Ray Buettner, Director of the Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research (CRUSER), introduces students, faculty and staff to the RoboEdu Design Challenge in Glasgow Hall, March 22. The challenge seeks to address the Secretary of the Navy's robotics and unmanned systems educational objectives by engaging fleet education and training stakeholders to inform future efforts.

"The focus here at NPS is primarily on Navy officers, however the problem might be bigger than that," said Buettner. "The school has proven it can offer curriculum and degrees to enlisted, such as the MACO program, so I'm sure there are many future opportunities." 

Through a series of activities over the next eight months, RoboEdu will challenge participants to draft the design of future robotics and autonomous systems educational offerings within the Navy, Marine Corps training and education community. 

"If you find anything that we should consider as we go through this process, from short courses to degree programs, send us and email at roboedu@nps.edu," said Buettner. "[In the coming months], we will hold virtual sessions with shareholders such as NAVAIR, and the Marine Corps Headquarters, to ensure everyone involved is aware and in the loop."

The RoboEdu Design Challenge is intended to initiate the discussion and build momentum for future educational forums and conversations around this rapidly emerging topic. CRUSER was established in 2011 by the SECNAV to shape generations of naval officers through education, research, concept generation and experimentation in maritime application of robotics, automation and autonomous systems.