Computing professor Dr. Erik Fredericks is working on a research project with graduate and undergraduate researchers, Grant Alphenaar and Andrew Goodling, to 3D print a small-scale version of a robotic dog using designs by Boston Dynamics to explore software engineering and robot control research topics. 

"Our goal is to build and assemble it this summer then investigate how search algorithms, software engineering techniques, and robotic control principles can come together to optimize its walking capabilities." Dr. Fredericks explained their purpose behind the project, "Also I want to have a dog to walk around the halls." 

After it masters walking, its next, and arguably greater, challenge will be learning to navigate Mackinac!