Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics (CIIR)

Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene.

Robotics, AI and cybersecurity training

University of Idaho College of Engineering integrates robotics research and training statewide through the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics (CIIR), equipping students with the skills needed to drive innovation in artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity and manufacturing.

Through the center, undergraduate and graduate students work directly with state-of-the-art mobile and full-size robots used in a variety of applications.

In Coeur d’Alene? CIIR undergraduate and graduate students can benefit from our transfer advantage in Coeur d’Alene. Start at North Idaho College or another college, then transfer seamlessly to U of I Coeur d’Alene to finish your bachelor’s degree — close to home and fully supported.
 

Integrated laboratories statewide

CIIR operates laboratories and training labs statewide.
 

Idaho Forest Group Robotics and Automation Laboratory

Located on our Coeur d’Alene campus, this lab offers direct access to mobile robots, mechanical arms, a general-purpose collaborative robot, and microcontroller and computer systems.
 

Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Laboratory

Thanks to support from Idaho Forest Group, one of America’s largest and most robotically integrated lumber mills, this lab on the Moscow campus is linked by an advanced network and video system to facilitate peer-to-peer collaboration in Moscow and Coeur d’Alene.
 

Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene.

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Research in CIIR

Undergraduate and graduate students conduct team research in the CIIR to find solutions to automation, AI and cybersecurity needs at the state and national level.

(Left to right) University of Idaho student Brent Knopp, professor John Shovic and students Garrett Wells and Kevin Wing stand with their autonomous wheeled robot that uses AI to detect and eradicate weeds. The project is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve national reforestation efforts.A team from the University of Idaho robotics program recently built a wheeled robot that uses electricity to kill weeds in US Forest Service nursery seedling beds in Coeur d'Alene, ID. The robot travels rows via a programmed route while following data to differentiate between seedlings and weeds. It uses a moveable arm and electricity to “zap” weeds, killing them with a more than 95% efficiency, reducing labor costs and the use of petrol chemicals.

Improving national reforestation efforts

Vandal engineers are enhancing U.S. reforestation with advanced robotics. Our team is building an automated weed detection and removal system for the Forest Service’s nursery in Coeur d’Alene. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this project aims to cut weeding costs, boost seedling quality and improve overall reforestation outcomes nationwide.

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A student works on a computer under an apple tree while another student stands under a pole mounted solar powered weather monitoring system

AI-augmented system for sustainable crop production

Our research tests AI systems that analyze microclimate data to optimize eco-friendly farming practices across the U.S.

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Meet our people

CIIR faculty and staff work with many undergraduate and graduate students and industry partners.

Contact us to get involved.

Portrait of John Shovic

John Shovic

Research Faculty; Director of the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics

Partner with us

CIIR partners with industry and others to pursue innovations in automation, manufacturing artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Donations the center support cutting-edge research in robotics, artificial intelligence and automation. Your contribution helps equip students with essential skills to innovate in manufacturing and cybersecurity. CIIR’s work, including AI applications in industries like food processing, drives real-world solutions and enhances national efforts like reforestation.