On Tuesday afternoon, Stony Brook University Libraries welcomed incoming students to the Library Galleria for a hands-on showcase of emerging artificial intelligence technologies. Nearly 100 students attended the lively two-hour event, where they explored eleven demonstrations spanning robotics, 3D model generation, and interactive games that pitted humans against machines. The showcase gave students an inviting and playful way to encounter technologies that are rapidly reshaping research, learning, and everyday life.
A crowd favorite was Rubo, the Libraries’ humanoid robot. Rubo greeted students through conversation before showing off some fancy footwork and nimble dance moves. The robot remains in development through a collaboration involving the University Libraries and the departments of Computer Science, Technology, AI and Society, and Mechanical Engineering. By bringing Rubo into the Galleria, the Libraries gave students a close-up look at the creative, technical, and interdisciplinary work behind modern robotics.
The event also introduced students to the Libraries’ AI Club, a community of students, faculty, and staff who explore artificial intelligence through hands-on experimentation and implementation. The club creates opportunities for participants from across the University to exchange ideas, test new tools, and learn from one another, with no advanced technical background required. The showcase reflects the Libraries’ role as a place to be curious, critical, and creative with AI technologies.
For more information about the AI-related activities, visit the Libraries’ AI website.