Robotics Innovative Technologies and Education (RITE) Lab: A Multi-Disciplinary Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Lab

The Robotics Innovative Technologies and Education (RITE) Lab provides an interdisciplinary environment for designing and constructing intelligent social robots leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). This paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, we delineate five distinct generations of robotics technology identified through a comprehensive literature review. The second part showcases our lab's successful strategy in covering these five generations by offering a comprehensive multi-disciplinary theoretical and hands-on experience using nine individual modules. This is achieved by using a unique ‘black box/white box’ approach and continuous improvement since 2012, ensuring a 100% success rate, with students capable of building and programming their robots from scratch. Our program's broad scope spans imminent robotics innovations (2023-2028) and envisions long-term future developments. This paper serves as a blueprint for similar educational endeavors, encapsulating the RITE Lab's successful ten-year journey.