by Cara Ramer, Student Public Relations Writer
As artificial intelligence moves beyond screens and into physical spaces, an autonomous robot designed by Cedarville University engineering students could change the campus tour experience by guiding visitors, answering questions and navigating campus buildings in real time.
Cedarville University engineering students create AI robot for campus tours
The robot, the Campus Engagement and Directional Assistance Rover (CEDAR), was created to improve visitor experience on high-traffic visitation days by providing a consistent, accessible and interactive tour guide. Operating on the first floor of the university’s Engineering and Science Center, CEDAR provides information about engineering programs, courses and campus events while helping fill gaps when human tour guides are unavailable.
CEDAR robot helps guide visitors through Cedarville’s Engineering and Science Center
Leading the transformative project are seniors Mark Freier of Seneca Falls, New York, and Alan Golden of Commerce Township, Michigan — both majoring in electrical engineering — and Gregory Rose of Fishers, Indiana, and Nathan Steenwyk of Zeeland, Michigan — computer engineering seniors.
Campus tour robot combines navigation, communication and real-time information
CEDAR has three primary features: navigation, communication and information delivery. The students designed the robot to travel to key locations, explain their significance and share that information with visitors in real time.
AI and robotics project uses large language models and 3D mapping
CEDAR also represents an exploration of the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, combining multiple technologies to create a sense of autonomy. The robot uses large language models as a “brain,” enabling real-time decision-making and communication. The system draws on Cedarville’s course catalog and website to provide accurate information, while 3D mapping technology allows CEDAR to identify key locations and navigate the building independently.
Cedarville engineering project shows how AI can support real-world decision-making
The project expands the capabilities of artificial intelligence beyond user interaction, demonstrating its potential to support real-time decision-making in physical environments.
“The possibilities with AI are endless, especially when you start applying it to systems beyond simple conversation,” said Steenwyk. “Integrating AI with robotics opens the door for complex behavior with a much simpler development process.”
The team was challenged to integrate AI and robotics in a way they were not certain was possible.
“There hasn’t been a single part of the project that went as expected,” said Steenwyk. “There were no instructions. We had to try ideas, see what worked and build something completely our own. But through trial and error, things slowly started to come together into the vision we had.”
AI campus tour project points to the future of engineering
As CEDAR continues to develop, the project highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping real-world systems. By combining AI with robotics, the team is exploring new ways technology can move beyond conversation and into meaningful, practical use — a shift that may define the future of engineering.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
