About Ausdroid
A community for research and collaboration.
Founded by students in 2017, Ausdroid is a research community based at the University of Melbourne. We bring students and researchers together to explore ideas in AI, robotics, and human–robot interaction.
We work with collaborators from other universities, including Monash University, RMIT University, and UNSW.
A way into research
We make research more accessible to master’s students and help PhD students connect with collaborators who share their interests. Through shared projects and the exchange of ideas, members find opportunities to explore research questions and learn from one another.
Our members come from computer science, engineering, mathematics, design, and other disciplines. Our projects span AI algorithms, physical robotic systems, human–robot interaction, and interaction design, bringing different perspectives to both software and physical prototypes.
Across research and competitions, members take part in more than ten projects each year, developing ideas, building and testing systems, and sharing what they learn.
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Built around people
Our community has more than 300 members, including master’s students and PhD researchers, with over 100 active members. More than 20 PhD researchers have been part of Ausdroid over the years, with around ten currently active in the community. Former members have gone on to postdoctoral, lecturer, and industry roles. Their experience and the connections between members are central to how we learn and collaborate.
Meet our people →How we got here
2017–2019
Our beginnings in robotics
Ausdroid formed in 2017 to take on robotics challenges as a student team. We competed in the ICRA DJI RoboMaster AI Challenge, reaching the finals in 2018 and receiving Third Prize in 2019.
2020–2023
Finding new directions
The pandemic disrupted in-person activities in 2020. We returned to the AI Challenge online in 2021 and received Third Prize again. When the competition ended, we began exploring other competitions and research opportunities.
2024 onwards
Putting research at the centre
Since 2024, we have made research the core of our work, bringing students and PhD researchers together around shared questions. Conference competitions remain a way to explore ideas, build prototypes, and exchange perspectives with the research community.