Welcome to the Robotics Lab@IIT.  Our research (used to be!) in the general area of robotics with specific attention to mobility in challenging environments.  Our current research is much more general, touching upon electrostatic and gecko-like adhesives for climbing and perching mobile robots as well as grippers for manipulator arms, localization safety for mobile robots, the intersection of robotics and urban landscape design, particle-based soft robots, and autonomous flight for UAVs in GNSS-denied environments.  

We are also part of the larger Autonomous Systems Group here in the MMAE Department at IIT.  
Recent News

Winter, 2019. Two of our robots, the VIV and the Omnidirectional Vehicle, are now on permanent display at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry!
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August, 2018.  Prof. Spenko was featured on WTTW's Chicago Tonight to talk about 3D printing and "ghost guns."
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April, 2018: Prof Spenko was interviewed by ABC news for their newswire segment. Also, check out Prof. Spenko in Science Riot on April 20th at the Theater on the Lake. 
Interested in joining the lab?
  • Potential Ph.D. students should apply directly to the MMAE program.  Once you have completed your application, please email Prof. Spenko and indicate that you have applied.  
  • B.S. students should set up a time to meet with Prof. Spenko and bring their resume along.
copyright The Robotics Lab at IIT 2014