About

The AI Robotics & Ethics camp at the University of Central Arkansas is a FREE commuter camp where the teams showcase what they have learned. Additionally, students will engage with artificial intelligence and robotics topics in popular culture through movies and short stories to understand the moral and ethical dimension of this rapidly developing technology.

This camp is for Arkansas students who will be in grades 10-12 in the 2024-2025 academic year and who have taken at least one Computer Science course and so are familiar with the topics of:

• Computational thinking and problem solving
• Data, information, and security
• Algorithms and programs
• Computers and communications, and
• Professionalism and impacts of computing.

However, the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning is growing rapidly with direct applications to robotics (self-driving cars) with implications for society. We believe Arkansas students are able to understand, program, and build an AI powered self-driving car and also consider the philosophical, ethical, and moral issues that come with this technology. This camp gives these students the knowledge and confidence to understand these topics and continue to pursue them in the future.

Sincerely,
Dr. William Slaton
AEGIS Camp Director
Professor and Engineering Physics Coordinator
Email: wvslaton@uca.edu

The following selection procedure will be applied:

• The applicant will have taken at least one High School or concurrent credit computer science course. This ensures basic knowledge competency for the camp.
• The applicant will provide the name and email address of a teacher (preferrably CS or STEM) who can write a letter of recommendation that addresses the applicant's ability and character.
• The applicant will write an essay explaining their interest in artificial intelligence / machine learning as applied to robotics, along with their thoughts on how to implement ethical use of this kind of technology in society.

Camp Application: link

Deadlines

• March 1, 2024 - Online Application Process Opens
• April 19, 2024 - Student Application, Essay, & Teacher Letter of Reccomendation begin to be accepted
• April 26, 2024 - Selection Results Begin to be Emailed to Students
• May 10, 2024 - Accepted students parent or guardian must complete the UCA Liability Waiver, Photo Release, and Medical Forms (emailed separately)
• June 17, 2024 - Opening Day of Camp
• June 21, 2024 - Parent Day/Camp Closing

For more information or clarification:
Dr. William Slaton
AEGIS Camp Director
wvslaton@uca.edu

June 17 - 21, 2024

Monday - Thursday:
8:30 - 9:00AM - Commuter drop-off time
9:00 - 11:30AM - Morning content session
11:30AM - 1:00PM - Lunch provided in UCA Cafeteria
1:00 - 1:30PM - Team Time
1:30 - 4:30PM - Afternoon content session
4:30 - 5:00PM - Commuter pick-up time

Friday:
8:30 - 9:00 AM - Commuter drop-off time
9:00 - 11:30AM - Morning content session
11:30AM - 1:00PM - Lunch provided in UCA Cafeteria
1:00 - 1:30PM - Team Time
1:30 - 3:30PM - Robotics Competition
3:30 - 4:30PM - Awards and camp wrap-up
4:30 - 5:00PM - Commuter pick-up time

Dr Jesse Butler Professor of Philosophy	Dr. Will Slaton Camp Director	Dr. Lin Zhang Professor of Engineering