What We Offer
Explore our Core Robotics Programs
AIME’s core programs give students hands-on experience in mechatronic engineering through four specialized divisions, including underwater robotics, autonomous rovers, and more.
Students can choose the division that sparks their interest, developing technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities while working on real-world projects. Each program is designed to empower future engineers to innovate, collaborate, and make a tangible impact.
Underwater Robotics
Underwater robotics focuses on the design and operation of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used in ocean exploration, environmental monitoring, search and recovery, and infrastructure inspection. The field integrates mechanical, electrical, software, and control systems engineering.
AIME chapters participate in the MATE ROV Competition, where students design, build, and pilot ROVs to complete real-world mission tasks inspired by marine technology careers, while developing professional skills such as documentation, project management, and communication.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, members gain hands-on experience in CAD and fabrication, waterproofing and power systems, sensor integration, programming, and mission strategy under real engineering constraints.
Combat Robotics
Design and build competitive fighting robots that operate under strict weight, safety, and performance constraints. Members primarily compete in the National Havoc Robot League, the largest combat robotics league in the world, along with regional events such as Sacramento Bot Battles and other competitions nationwide.
Through hands-on engineering, members gain experience in mechanical design, weapon systems, drivetrain optimization, structural analysis, and rapid prototyping. This includes CAD modeling, fabrication, motor and gearbox selection, electronics integration, battery management, and radio control systems, all under high-impact conditions.
Combat robotics also emphasizes professional engineering workflows, requiring teams to manage design trade-offs, budgets, timelines, and safety compliance. Members develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through testing, iteration, and competition-driven decision-making.
Autonomous Rover
In autonomous rover robotics, AIME chapters design and develop ground-based robotic systems capable of navigating complex environments with minimal human input. Members primarily compete in the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC), with opportunities to advance to elite challenges such as NASA rover competitions.
Members gain hands-on experience in autonomous navigation, computer vision, sensor integration, and control systems, including mechanical rover design, embedded systems, motor control, GPS, cameras, LiDAR, and software for perception, mapping, and path planning.
This initiative emphasizes professional engineering workflows, with teams managing system documentation, testing and validation, budgeting, and technical presentations. Through competition and iteration, members develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills under real-world constraints.
Capstones
In capstone projects, AIME chapters collaborate with industry partners to solve real-world engineering problems through student-led design, manufacturing, and testing. These projects allow students to apply technical knowledge while delivering meaningful value to partners.
Members work through the full engineering lifecycle, including requirements definition, concept development, CAD and analysis, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and iteration. Projects span areas such as automation, mechanical systems, process improvement, and product development using industry-relevant tools and methods.
Capstone teams operate in a professional consulting-style environment, managing timelines, budgets, documentation, and client communication while presenting final deliverables. AIME has partnered with organizations such as Lundberg Family Farms and Chico Flax and remains open to new industry collaborations.
Supporting Student Success
At AIME, student growth goes beyond technical engineering skills. In addition to hands-on mechatronic programs, members gain access to workshops and skill-building classes designed to support both professional and personal development. From resume building and interview preparation to leadership, communication, and project management, AIME equips students with real-world tools that extend far beyond the lab.
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By combining technical excellence with practical life skills, AIME empowers students to succeed not only in their engineering careers, but in every path they choose to pursue.