My journey in robotics & AI
By Prabu Venkatesh, Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, University of Hertfordshire
I have always been fascinated by robots and the possibilities they represent. When I discovered the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence programme with the University of Hertfordshire at PSB Academy, I knew it was the right opportunity for me.
My learning experience at PSB Academy has been both exciting and challenging. What stood out to me was the fast-paced learning environment and hands-on learning. We had dedicated lab time to experiment with equipment such as Bambu 3D printers, humanoid robots and learning technologies like ROS and SLAM.
The lecturers were also very supportive, particularly in guiding and encouraging us to participate in external competitions. I had the opportunity to participate in the WED Hackathon 2025, where my team achieved 3rd place, and I also competed in and won the Joget Jam Hackathon. Another memorable experience was working on the SAUVC 2025 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle project, which allowed me to apply my skills and develop functional solutions beyond the classroom.
One of the main challenges I faced during my studies was balancing demanding engineering coursework with independent projects and hackathons. However, it strengthened my time management skills and helped me better understand how hardware components and intelligent algorithms work together. I am currently working in the engineering field, focusing on areas such as PCB design, component selection, and ESP32-based projects.
Embarking on a journey in robotics and artificial intelligence at PSB Academy truly transforms your understanding and skills in this rapidly evolving field. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the emphasis on hands-on experience. Working directly with equipment like Bambu 3D printers, humanoid robots, and technologies such as ROS (Robot Operating System) and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) provides a practical foundation few courses offer. These tools are vital for developing real-world skills in robotics design, navigation, and intelligent automation. Participating in hackathons like the WED Hackathon 2025 and Joget Jam Hackathon fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure—essential traits for any aspiring engineer. These competitions encourage you to apply classroom knowledge to solve tangible engineering challenges, preparing you for industry demands. The accomplishment of placing 3rd in WED Hackathon highlights how such events push you to innovate and think outside the box. Balancing demanding coursework with independent projects and hackathons can be challenging, but it significantly sharpens your time management and project prioritization skills. Aligning academic assignments with personal projects creates synergies that enrich learning experiences and deepen understanding of complex concepts. Moreover, working on cutting-edge initiatives like the SAUVC Autonomous Underwater Vehicle project provides invaluable insights into applying AI and robotics for autonomous exploration and data collection underwater—a field with extensive research and commercial potential. Currently, many graduates expand their expertise into fields such as PCB design, component selection, and embedded systems development with platforms like ESP32, positioning themselves at the forefront of hardware-software integration. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial as robotics increasingly intersects with IoT, AI, and renewable energy technologies, making the skills learned at PSB Academy highly relevant and future-proof. Overall, the hands-on learning environment, supportive lecturers, and challenging projects at PSB Academy create a dynamic and enriching experience. It nurtures a passion for robotics and AI, equipping students not just with theoretical knowledge but with practical skills and confidence to contribute innovatively to the technology landscape.
