KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 11, 2025

As the first person in her family to attend college in the United States, Andrea Martinez Angulo has long been imbued with a tireless work ethic.

It was instilled in her by her parents, who brought her to the U.S. from Jalisco, Mexico at 4 years old as her father pursued his career ambitions, and it continued as she was introduced to STEM as a student at Kennesaw Mountain High School. Today, she is well on her way to breaking new ground in robotics as a student in Kennesaw State University’s Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

“My parents have always given me a great example of what it means to work hard for what you earn,” Martinez Angulo said. “That mindset has stuck with me, especially when things get tough at school. You just keep working, and things will work out in the end.”

Originally set on studying biomedical engineering, Martinez Angulo later shifted to mechatronics due to her affinity for science and math. At KSU, she has continued to thrive academically, gaining hands-on research experience and honing her communication skills by presenting at the Symposium of Student Scholars. She’s also an active member of the Synergy Robotics Lab, where she’s been working on a cutting-edge project involving robot dogs designed to reimagine agricultural practices.

Reflecting on her growth, she acknowledged the support from professors and mentors for helping her develop both technical expertise and the confidence to engage with others in the field. She credits SPCEET assistant professor Muhammad Tanveer for carefully guiding her research efforts.  

“Dr. Tanveer has supported me from Day 1,” Martinez Angulo said. “He’s given me a lot of opportunities for sure. He’s let me be part of different engineering projects and always guided me and answered any questions that I have, whether they be about engineering or my career.”

Tanveer, in return, complimented Andrea’s hard work and dedication to her craft.

"Andrea has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical skills and a remarkable work ethic in our research projects,” he said. “Her passion for robotics and her ability to tackle complex challenges head-on has made her a valuable member of the Synergy Robotics Lab.”

One of Martinez Angulo’s most exciting ventures is her involvement in a research project aimed at enhancing the collaboration between robot dogs and agricultural ground vehicles. The project focuses on a robotic dog named the "Husky," which is equipped with a robotic arm, cameras, and LIDAR sensors. Its primary function is to assist in agricultural tasks, such as monitoring crops, identifying ripe produce, and even potentially assisting with harvesting.

“We wanted to see how AI models like ChatGPT could be integrated into the robot to give it commands and analyze how it responds,” Martinez Angulo said. "It’s not just about programming the robot; it's about seeing how well it interacts with the environment and follows instructions.”

The research aims to push the boundaries of automation in agriculture, where robots can help with tasks that typically require large human labor, such as monitoring vast crop fields and identifying ripe produce.

The use of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT allows the robot dog to comprehend and follow basic commands, such as walking a few feet or turning a certain way. This research is part of a larger goal to create robots that can autonomously complete complex tasks in various industries.

Every groundbreaking research project comes with its challenges, and Martinez Angulo’s project is no exception. One of the early obstacles was outdated technology, specifically, a faulty Raspberry Pi that hindered their progress. Despite the setbacks, Martinez Angulo’s determination and problem-solving skills helped overcome the issues.

“It was frustrating, but we knew it was just part of the process,” she said. “You have to keep adapting and learning as technology evolves.”

The impact of this research has the potential to be global. By improving agricultural monitoring with robotic assistance, Martinez Angulo believes this technology could help address labor shortages, reduce the risk to workers, and optimize crop production.

"I see this project as just the beginning,” she said. “In the future, robots like these could make farming more efficient and safer for everyone."

As a passionate researcher and an advocate for women in STEM, Martinez Angulo is setting an example for a future where technology can bridge gaps and solve real-world problems. Her experience at Kennesaw State has empowered her to reach new heights, and she hopes to inspire other young women to follow their passions in STEM.

“I want to show other women that they can do this too,” Martinez Angulo said. “The field is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you work hard and stick with it, you’ll see the impact you can make.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.