UNT's Department of Computer Science and Engineering laying groundwork for student robotics

Feb 16, 2007

Based on student demand, the University of North Texas' Department of Computer Science and Engineering is planning to add two new student-led clubs. Organizational meetings are scheduled for Feb. 16 (Friday) for a UNT Robotics Society club, and a UNT amateur radio club.

David Keathly, UNT lecturer and undergraduate advisor in the department of computer science and engineering, has agreed to assist the two groups in their formation and will serve as initial faculty sponsor.
The Robotics Society will build robots, investigate concepts in robotics, participate in competitions, and assist as judges, coaches and mentors for middle and high school competitions. Keathly says, "The intent of the club is to enter a variety of competitions that are available to college students. Probably the best known of those clubs is the 'RoboCup' robot soccer competition."
The amateur radio club aims to assist members in obtaining Amateur Radio licenses, work with other area clubs and build a Ham Radio "shack" with equipment available to all licensed members. Keathly adds there are a number of contests sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League, as well as emergency preparedness activities in which members can participate.

Keathly says his interest in amateur radio club began when he was in college. "I remember working with the other amateur radio operators during the Mexico City earthquake back in the mid 1980's. We helped to get the word out about what was happening down there, and relay messages to family members here in the United States."
A meeting for these organizations will be held Feb. 16 (Friday) in Room F260 at the UNT Research Park. The Robotics Society will meet from 11 a.m. to noon, and the amateur radio group from noon-1 pm. Interested students and faculty will discuss what it takes to officially form an organization, select officers and discuss plans for the remainder of the semester. Keathly says he has heard from between 20 and 25 students who are interested in taking part in the clubs.

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