Intelligent Systems Lab
Sonoma State University

Engineering intelligent systems for the real world: ISL advances research in robotics, machine learning, and biomedical sensing while training the next generation of engineers and scientists.

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Research Areas

Intelligent Robotics and Manipulation

Sim-to-real transfer learning, reinforcement learning for robotic arms, imitation learning, and vision-guided control. Our robots learn from simulation and human demonstration, then operate on physical systems.

Biomedical Sensing and Health AI

Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring using breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs), wearable sensor devices, machine learning models deployed on-device, and clinical data collection pipelines for diabetes management.

Embedded Systems and Edge AI

Microcontroller-based sensor platforms, RTOS implementations, on-device inference, and low-power systems for real-world health and environmental monitoring.

Computer Vision and Language-Guided Systems

Deep learning for image classification, diabetic retinopathy detection, autonomous navigation via natural language commands, and vision-language-action integration.

Featured Projects

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Robotics Course

EE 473 / ECE 573, Fall Semester

Intro to Robotics and Computer Vision

This course covers the fundamentals of robotics and computer vision through a combination of theory and hands-on project work. Topics include forward and inverse kinematics, vision-based detection and control, and reinforcement learning for robotic manipulation. Students apply concepts directly on physical robot arms using industry-standard tools and software. The course is offered at both the undergraduate (EE 473) and graduate (ECE 573) levels, with graduate students completing additional work.

Forward & inverse kinematics on physical 5-axis robot arms
ROS 2 integration with arm-specific packages
Computer vision system integration
Reinforcement learning pipeline
WidowX Robot Arm from Trossen Robotics
New Robotics & AI Lab, open Fall 2026

A new robotics and AI lab has been built and is open as of Fall 2026, significantly expanding the hands-on research and teaching infrastructure available to students in this course and across the program. See the lab →

Our Team

Research Team

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Lab Impact

As of 2026

8+ Years advancing intelligent systems research at SSU
100+ Emerging engineers and scientists mentored
16 M.S. theses and projects completed
1 Issued U.S. patent (US 12,278,013 B2, April 2025)
6 Peer-reviewed publications
10+ Research awards and grants received

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Prospective Students

ISL welcomes undergraduate and graduate students interested in robotics, AI, sensing, and embedded systems. Positions available through directed study, capstone projects, and thesis supervision.

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Industry and Collaborators

We partner with industry and academic collaborators on applied research in intelligent systems, health sensing, and autonomous robotics. If you see alignment, reach out.

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Donors and Supporters

ISL operates on a combination of grants, university support, and philanthropic contributions. Equipment donations and targeted gifts directly support student research.

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