INFORMATION FOR
Computer science students at William Paterson University are welcoming a new “classmate” — a humanoid robot powered by artificial intelligence. The Unitree G1 Edu Humanoid was acquired through a U.S. Department of Education grant supporting the University’s ASPIRE (Access to STEM Pathways through Integrated Research and Engagement) program, which recently earned national recognition for advancing STEM education and innovation.
Blending cutting-edge AI engineering with interactive design, the humanoid robot stands upright on two legs with articulated arms and three-fingered hands. Its sleek, human-like form includes a display “face” capable of showing expressions, helping it communicate and engage naturally with users. Powered by ChatGPT as its “brain,” the robot can hold conversations, answer questions, and respond to people in real time – just as ChatGPT does in text, but through spoken dialogue and motion.
“Today’s computer science graduates need more than coding skills; they need experience working with intelligent systems that think, move, and respond,” says Venkat Sharma, Dean of the College of Science and Health. “This kind of technology immerses our students in real-world problem solving and prepares them to lead in an AI-driven world.”
Computer science professor Nan Wang and student Adarsha Mishra ‘28 are currently programming and training the robot for classroom and research use.
“Right now, this robot is a research project — we’re still learning about it and teaching it at the same time,” Wang explains. “It can talk, walk, sing a song for you, and even dance, but it can only travel on flat surfaces. I’m trying to train the robot to use the stairs.”
Wang praises the robot’s balance, responsiveness, and potential as a learning tool.
“Working with the humanoid robot has been an incredible experience,” says Mishra, a computer science major. “We’re not just coding—we’re learning how AI, robotics, and natural language processing come together in real-world systems.”
Looking ahead, Wang and her students, in collaboration with other computer science faculty and their students, plan to expand the robot’s capabilities, including programming it to perform a pop song complete with choreography. The project reflects the department’s broader mission to explore how AI can learn through human interaction, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving.
As a powerhouse for new talent, William Paterson University offers unmatched support and next-level learning experiences. Together, we're reinventing what an excellent education looks like - here's how.
Our classrooms are never confined to four walls. Students work closely with faculty, get firsthand research experience, and discover fields they never knew existed. And because no two learners are alike, we offer flexible degree options, alternate credentials, and liberal transfer credits.
Your Success Is Our Priority
The transition to college can come with many questions, which is why all first-year Pioneers are paired with a Student Success Team.
This tailored team of experts is composed of a professional advisor, financial aid counselor, career coach, and starting sophomore year, a faculty mentor in the student’s major.
Discover What You Will. Power.
The first semester of college can be overwhelming, and Will. Power. 101, our first-year program, is designed to empower students throughout this life transition. In this semester-long course, students will explore what it means to be a powerhouse in academics, campus involvement and personal development, all while becoming more ingrained in the William Paterson community.
Mentorship That Goes Beyond The Classroom
We have exceptional faculty at William Paterson, and in addition to being experts in their fields, our professors strongly emphasize and prioritize mentorship. Here, students refine and grow in their skills while working alongside and building meaningful relationships with faculty.
We equip our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive, as both thoughtful members of society and career-ready graduates. See how you can excel at William Paterson.
