Taught by Mechatronics Professor Daigo Shishika, this hands-on short course combines mechatronics and robotics with game-theoretic thinking through the design and competition of modular ground robots. Teams will build and customize robots for a multi-player game involving strategic interaction, hidden information, and motion-based signaling. In addition to developing practical skills in prototyping, electronics, actuation, and robot integration, participants will analyze how competing teams make decisions, adapt to opponents, and use robot behavior itself to convey or conceal intent. The modular platform is designed for rapid modification, allowing teams to explore how both hardware choices and strategic decisions shape performance in competitive robotic games.

This semester, participants will design and build multifunctional navigating robots using an array of sensors and actuators to perform diverse tasks in the MARC. Working in teams of two and open to students from all majors, the course previously hosted 18 students from various disciplines, and successful completion earns a GMU digital micro-credential.

Workshops begin just a few weeks after the start of the Fall ‘26 semester, from 4:30–6:30PM and run weekly for 9 weeks. Applications are due by September 18th, with acceptances sent September 22nd. Waitlisted students must attend the first session to maintain eligibility. The short course meets Thursdays weekly, and schedule still tentative, but should be finalized soon

For this Fall ‘26 semester session, GMU’s mechatronics professor, Dr. Daigo Shishika, will instruct the course.

Questions? Contact mkazemza@gmu.edu or visit the MIX in Horizon Hall 1408.