Innovative Robotics Platform Equips Students with Real-World STEM Skills

Dr. Chance Glenn, engineering professor at Alabama A&M University and founder of Morningbird Space Corporation, has partnered with the AAMU-RISE Foundation to officially launch AppBot, a groundbreaking STEM education platform designed to give students hands-on experience in robotics, coding, and advanced technology.

Glenn, who previously served as dean of the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences, first envisioned the AppBot several years ago.

“I had the idea for the AppBot before I left AAMU in 2019,” he explained. “As an academic administrator, I didn’t have the time to develop it properly. But when I returned to the classroom, I finally had the space to bring it to life. Over the past several months, I’ve handled the engineering and design work to turn the concept into reality.”

AppBot is more than a robotics kit – it’s a complete educational platform that engages students in CAD design, additive manufacturing, robotics, electronics, coding, and even artificial intelligence. Students assemble a 3D-printed robot, wire its components, and program it using a custom-built smartphone app developed by Morningbird Space. A vibrant online developers community supports collaboration and continued learning.

“The AppBot is not a toy,” said Glenn. “It’s a real tool for teaching critical STEM skills in a fun and interactive way. We designed it to be accessible, adaptable, and scalable, so it can reach students wherever they are.”

Each AppBot bundle includes a three-month membership to an online learning hub featuring tutorials, resources, and community support. Users can customize the robot’s design and functionality, with opportunities for future national competitions and showcases hosted at AAMU.

Through the AAMU-RISE Foundation’s support and facilities, Glenn and Morningbird Space were able to prototype and refine the product. Additional momentum came through collaboration with Autodesk, which is providing licensed access to its industry-standard Fusion 360 CAD software, along with 12 hours of certified training. Glenn will use the AppBot and Fusion 360 in a special topics course at Alabama A&M this fall, and in upcoming workforce development programs.

“We’re excited to have Autodesk on board as a strategic partner,” Glenn said. “Their support adds tremendous value to both our students and broader educational outreach.”

Morningbird Space is also partnering with Drake State Technical College to expand the AppBot’s reach in the local academic community. Educational nonprofits have already begun purchasing kits for schools, helping to make the platform more widely accessible. The complete AppBot kit can be purchased for $499.99 at www.morningbirdspace.com/appbot. This includes the STL files needed for 3-D printing, shipment of electronic parts, and Fusion 360 training.

Looking ahead, Glenn and the Morningbird Space team aim to grow AppBot into a global platform for STEM engagement, especially among underrepresented students and communities with limited access to hands-on technology.

“The launch of the AppBot is just the beginning,” said Glenn. “We’re inviting educators, parents, partners, and innovators to join us in redefining how STEM is taught, learned, and shared.”