UAT Student Blog listing page

The Energy Challenge in Autonomous Systems (UAT Student Insight)

As a Software Engineering student at University of Advancing Technology (UAT), I’ve learned that autonomous delivery isn't limited by navigation algorithms or flight controllers—the real bottleneck is energy. My drone work, built with open-source autopilots and custom ESC setups, exposed the same issues seen in larger autonomous systems: power stability, thermal performance, and limited energy density.

At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), innovation isn’t just taught—it’s lived. This spring, a team of first-time competitors stepped into the high-pressure world of VEX U Robotics and walked away with more than a trophy—they gained experience, resilience, and the Judges Award for outstanding perseverance. But the story behind their success started long before the competition.

At the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), hands-on experience isn't just encouraged—it’s essential. The Workshop Club, hosted in UAT’s diverse Maker Lab, embodies that spirit. We're a student-led organization dedicated to empowering makers of all skill levels by teaching how to use the lab’s state-of-the-art tools and machinery, from 3D and resin printers to laser cutters, vacuum formers, and more. We believe that every student—whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned builder—should feel confident and capable in a makerspace. We also look for people of all majors, not just Digital Maker & Fabrication or Robotics Engineering. That’s why we prioritize peer-led learning, safety education, and guided access to the full creative potential of UAT’s fabrication equipment.

Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer science fiction. It’s transforming how we learn, tell stories, train, and create. But as powerful as VR can be, it’s still locked behind barriers—high costs, closed-source hardware, and technical complexity. For many aspiring creators, educators, and students, building immersive VR experiences—especially ones with haptic feedback—remains out of reach. During University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) Spring 2025 Production Studios class, students worked on a project - VR Imaginaruim - and spent the semester working to make VR with haptic feedback more accessible. 

At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), the Cyber Ninjas competition team stands as a cornerstone of our cybersecurity community. We're more than just a club—we are a diverse group of passionate students united by our love for cybersecurity, dedicated to skill development, and committed to creating an inclusive environment for newcomers and veterans alike. 

At University of Advancing Technology (UAT) the esports club is one of the biggest clubs on campus in terms of member count. Within the club we feature a common ground for all students to congregate and have fun in the usual high stress environment of college life. Not only does the club feature a high-skill environment for our students to challenge themselves, but we also have a casual environment as well for students to gather around games that they simply love to play allowing for the fostering of new skills within those games to show off to their peers.

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) Cyber Security Student Alexis Sloan attended the AZ Tech Council Event on Tuesday March 25th. She discusses the opportunities and learning experience the event brings to students.

University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) professor Ryan Murray, who teaches Digital Maker & Fabrication classes, has implemented an assignment in his DBM100 - 3D Build Tools class where students design and 3D print planes, they then get to launch into the quad on campus. 

I had the amazing opportunity to attend CactusCon this year, and I had a wonderful time! I am incredibly grateful for all of the talks I heard from, the professionals I got to meet, and the vendors I was able to speak with. I am also thankful for CactusCon for providing me with a free ticket as a student!