Hey! My name is Villa Keth, and I am currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering at the University of South Florida. My main research interests include implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics along with using augmented reality (AR) to facilitate communication between robots and humans. Overall, I hope to make a difference in the lives of everyday people by researching and creating new methods and technologies that can be applied in a myriad of different fields.
My most recent project involved creating new algorithms and models to explore the performance of multi-object grasping with a variety of robotic systems. This summer, I will be collaborating with my fellow members of the RARE Lab on developing a fog screen that will project the thoughts and actions of a robotic system through spatial augmented reality.
— 5/9/2024
This past summer at the RARE lab, I worked on integrating a fog screen device with a Fetch robot that was capable of creating a flat, mid-air display that facilitated human-robot interaction (HRI). During my time at the lab, I collaborated with fellow members Adrian Lozada and Uthman Tijani in brainstorming, discussing, and implementing ideas in order to improve the performance and efficacy of the fog screen device. During the project, I honed my design abilities by working extensively in TinkerCAD and SolidWorks, and even picked up a new skill in the form of the ROS framework. Additionally, I gained experience working in a structured and encouraging environment where challenges were embraced as opportunities to learn and grow.
Although my time at the lab was short, I feel that I was able to accomplish everything I sought to achieve with this project. I refined old skills, learned some new skills, and had the pleasure of working with some of the most hard-working and talented people I have met. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to work at the RARE lab, and I know that the experience and knowledge I gained here will continue to influence my future path, wherever it may lead.
— 9/3/2024
