About Us
Mission
The Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) is a student-run organization at the University of Pittsburgh dedicated to providing hands-on experience in robotics and automation. We enhance students’ education by supplementing classroom learning with real-world design, prototyping, and competition-ready systems. RAS empowers motivated members with the tools, materials, and mentorship they need to bring innovative ideas to life. Beyond technical skills, students gain experience in project management, budgeting, fundraising, and meeting competition deadlines—preparing them for success in both industry and research.
Benefits
- Connect with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about robotics! Chat with upperclassmen who can provided research, gradschool, and internship advice and industry connections.
- Learn new subject matter that is not typically covered in courses through projects and RAS-hosted workshops! This will give you an edge when applying for internships and full time roles.
- Get exclusive access to the major robotics companies in the area through site tours!
- Get access to our workshop where you can build high quality robots with high quality parts.
Our Team in the news
MIT-PITT-RW
- 150mph Without a Driver: Indy Autonomous Cars Gear Up for Race
- University of Pittsburgh Woman Leads Indy Autonomous Challenge Team Into Historic Competition
- Luminar at Indy Autonomous Challenge: MIT-PITT-RW
- Pitt Undergrads Take on the World for a $1 Million Prize at the Indianapolis Autonomous Challenge
- Robots on the Racetrack: A Team of Pitt Students will Compete in the First Indy Autonomous Challenge
- MIT-PITT-RW Team Faces Obstacles at Indy Autonomous Challenge
- The Indy Autonomous Challenge Features Racecars Without Anyone in the Driver's Seat
- PITT Autonomous Racing Team Earns Support From Pittsburgh Robotics Community
- Self Driving Cars Rev Their Engines For Their Own Indy 500 Race
- Taking Ubuntu for a Spin (Literally)
- In Pursuit of the Checkered Flag: The Challenge of Developing a Driverless Race Car System
- Students Make Finals—and History—as Part of Autonomous Race at Indianapolis Speedway
International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC)
- Pitt Robotics Team Meets Mission Impossible
- University of Pittsburgh Team Designing Drone to Herd Roomba Vacuums
- Pitt Students’ Autonomous Drone 'Flies High' at International Robotics Competition
- RAS Team Wins 'Best System Design' at International Aerial Robotics Competition
Current Executive Board
- (President) Olivia Sobek
- (Vice President) Ean Smith
- (Director of Outreach) Sage Szumski
- (Director of Business) Jacob Gronwaldt
- (Director of Operations) Sasha Roth
Previous RAS Websites