CSULB's High-Tech Rescue Robots: Students Craft Tomorrow's Heroes

Ksiusha Johansson -

A Childhood Dream Takes Flight

Keaton Safu’s journey from a Star Wars Lego enthusiast to a pioneering student at CSULB’s future-focused PACK Lab is nothing short of inspiring. As a child, Safu’s fascination with assembling spaceships birthed his passion for engineering. Now, as a senior studying mechanical engineering, he’s deeply involved in training autonomous robots aimed at reshaping the future of search and rescue missions. These highly specialized machines act in harmony, devoid of a central system, much like a school of fish navigating treacherous waters.

Functioning as One: The Magic of the PACK Labs

The name PACK (Perception, Actuation, Control, and Network) hints at the lab’s function, where robots learn to function collaboratively. This forward-thinking environment allows them to make quick, intelligent decisions to tackle real-world challenges, including efficient traffic management and advanced wildfire responses. “The idea is to work independently and make intelligent choices,” says Professor Morales-Ponce.

According to California State University, Long Beach, these innovations hold promise beyond our imagination, potentially paving the way for safer rescue operations.

Students at the Helm of Innovation

At CSULB, students don’t just learn — they lead. The PACK Lab, outfitted with Department of Defense grants, offers tools like unmanned aerial vehicles and a micro-swarm system, enabling students to translate classroom theories into working prototypes. Whether it’s Keaton Safu or Fozhan Babaeyian Ghamsari, students here are transforming education into practical breakthroughs.

Real-World Impact: A Pathway to Success

Under Professor Liu’s mentorship, students are not only redefining robotics but also crafting a direct pathway to top-tier internships and graduate programs. Their work in this lab has already attracted attention, with many students securing positions in prestigious PhD programs. Safu himself plans to pursue a master’s degree, encouraged by the lab’s sci-fi-like environment that transforms learning into captivating, real-world problem-solving ventures.

The Future Roadmap: Expanding Horizons

CSULB’s College of Engineering is on the cusp of a $15 million modernization. This expansion aims to amplify the hands-on research initiatives that the PACK Lab incubates, offering students unparalleled opportunities to innovate and collaborate at the cutting edge of technology.

Invest in the minds that are building the future. Discover how you can help nurture these pioneering spirits at CSULB and be a part of the next wave of technological innovation.

With the PACK Lab leading the charge, Cal State Long Beach stands as a beacon of innovation, fostering a new generation of engineers ready to take on the world’s challenges with tenacity and ingenuity.