Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity
Revolutionizing Robot Dexterity and Empowering Human Work
2025 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program
The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program offers funded research opportunities to undergraduate students in the research areas funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The U.S. NSF HAND ERC is on a mission to revolutionize the future of work through robotic dexterity. Our REU program invites motivated undergraduate students to join us in tackling one of today’s most pressing challenges: augmenting human labor with advanced robotic technologies to enhance productivity, job quality, and workplace safety.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the NSF HAND REU program are to provide comprehensive mentorship in theory, skills, and application to foster research curiosity, inspire independent inquiry, and encourage the practical application of research in the field of dexterous robotics. The students will be immersed in cutting-edge research to advance human-robot collaboration. Participants will contribute to developing highly dexterous robotic hands, designing intuitive user interfaces, and exploring real-world applications across industries. The ultimate goal is to inspire students to pursue a graduate degree in the field of dexterous robotics.
Benefits to Students
- Collaborative Research: Work on projects tied to HAND’s core research areas: advanced robotic hands, intelligent dexterity, and human-robot interfaces.
- Hands-On Learning: Engage in real-world testbeds like manufacturing, food handling, and caregiving robotics to co-develop solutions with industry and community partners.
- Industry Exposure: Visit companies and learn directly from professionals shaping the future of robotics.
- Professional Development: Participate in workshops on communication, technical writing, participatory research methods, and career planning.
- Competitive Stipend: Each student will receive a competitive stipend per week, travel and meal allowance, and free campus housing. Students will also receive an office and software necessary for research projects.
Program Highlights
- Duration: June 16 – August 15
- Host Location: Northwestern University
- Stipend: Competitive stipend and allowance (meals, housing, travel)
Research Projects
Students will participate in research projects mentored by one of HAND’s faculty as well as graduate students and researchers. The projects will relate the HAND mission of revolutionizing robot dexterity and empowering human work. Projects will cover topics such as robot hand design, fabrication, and testing; touch perception for robots; control policies for dexterous manipulation; and human interface via demonstration and teleoperation.
Who Should Apply?
Any student who is currently a sophomore, junior, or senior in a 4-year undergraduate college/university is eligible to apply. The following are the eligibility requirements:
- Undergraduate students at four-year colleges and universities in the United States.
- A 3.0 and above GPA at the current academic institution.
- U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents.
- 18 years of age or older.
Application Process
To apply for this program, students will need to:
- Submit the application form.
- Submit a personal statement, resume, and an unofficial college transcript.
- Provide the names and contact information of two professors as your references to write letters of recommendation on your behalf. If shortlisted, you will be asked to request letter writers send their letters of recommendation directly to Dr. Mohamed Gharib at ewd.hand@tamu.edu
2025 REU Timeline
Application Open: February 17, 2025
Application Closed: March 14, 2025
Notification Letters: March 31, 2025
Program Start Date: June 16, 2025
Program End Date: August 15, 2025
The selection committee will review the applications and finalists will be contacted for a Zoom interview. For questions or more information, please contact HAND Workforce Development Team at ewd.hand@tamu.edu.