Alabama A&M University alumnus and staff member Justin Vaughner has been appointed as the University’s Unified Drone Unit Lead, a role that will place him at the center of an expanding effort to integrate drone and artificial intelligence (AI) research across multiple disciplines.

Dr. Zhengtao Deng, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences (CETPS), said the appointment builds on years of investment in robotics and drone research. “We began collaborating with Sandia National Laboratories in 2019, building research platforms, and focusing on drone and robot communications,” Deng explained. “When Justin came on board, he expanded those activities. Thanks to him, we are taking our program to the next level.”

The new Unified Drone and AI Program will bring together drones, robotic “dogs,” and AI systems under a single framework for both education and research. Vaughner explained the technology is designed to be open and flexible, giving students opportunities to learn how the systems actually work. “Most robotics or drone products come with software you can’t look inside or control,” said Vaughner. “For education, that’s limiting. Here, students will get to decode, program, and actually see how these systems communicate and respond.”

One of the more futuristic projects involves coordination between ground robots and drones in the air. “Let’s say you send the robotic dogs into a cave,” Vaughner explained. “They crawl through, surveying the environment, while a drone flies overhead. The two communicate with each other about what they’re seeing, identifying hazards or abnormalities. That’s the type of real-world problem solving our students will practice.”

Students from engineering, computer science, construction management, agriculture, and geographic information systems (GIS) will all benefit from the initiative. In agriculture, for example, drones with advanced cameras can fly over crops and analyze plant health through color patterns and light wavelengths. Civil engineering students can use drones and LIDAR sensors for surveying land and creating 3D maps. Computer science majors will focus on coding and AI applications, while mechanical and electrical engineering students may concentrate on robotics and systems integration.

The program includes the Universities drones and two new robotic dogs, one of which has already become something of a Bulldog celebrity. Nicknamed “E-Butch” after AAMU’s beloved mascot, the robot dog has been spotted at campus events and touring the grounds with Vaughner. E-Butch can sit, wave, and even form a heart sign with its robotic legs. Vaughner and Deng said they are considering launching a campus-wide campaign to officially name both dogs, giving students and alumni a chance to be part of the new technology initiative.

Deng said the program is meant to be open-ended, encouraging creativity and innovation across fields. “This is basically an education platform,” he said. “Students will not only understand programming, but also how AI works, how image processing works, and how different applications can come together. It is a strong collaboration that advances both teaching and research.”

Faculty collaboration has been key to the effort. “Our computer science faculty, Dr. Yujian Fu, is doing excellent work in robotics,” Deng said. “Dr. Kaveh Heidary’s group in electrical engineering is also contributing, and previously Dr. Andrew Scott – before his retirement – laid important groundwork. Now, with Justin in place, this is a great asset for the University.”

Faculty from multiple departments, supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other sources, are already involved in expanding the program. The University currently has about 25 drones of varying sizes and capabilities, along with robotic dogs equipped with LIDAR sensors.

Vaughner sees the initiative as a natural extension of AAMU’s mission. “This Unified Drone Unit is about more than just flying drones – it’s about preparing students to apply technology in agriculture, engineering, defense, and beyond,” he said. “By giving them hands-on access to tools and systems, we’re helping them build skills that will be in demand across industries.”

Deng added that Vaughner’s leadership makes him an essential part of the University’s progress. “Justin is a star,” Deng said. “He has done tremendous work, and if there are any drone or robotics needs at Alabama A&M, he is the person to see.”

Vaughner earned both his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2010 and his master’s in systems and materials engineering in 2023 from Alabama A&M. Over the past 11 years, he has held positions in IT, engineering, and agriculture, including roles in the College of Agriculture, the Department of Information Technology, and most recently as technical support manager for the College of Engineering and IT coordinator for the RISE Foundation. With a career defined by integrating technology into teaching and research, Vaughner now brings that experience to his new role as Unified Drone Unit Lead – an appointment housed in the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences but designed to serve the entire University.