Tyler Rook spent his summer at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi at a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).

Rook, a computer science major, spent May 28-Aug. 3 working with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

About the project

Rook’s project was focused on path planning.

The team he was on created a path with obstacles in it. It was their job to find the best route for their UAS to go through.

Rather than use a traditional algorithm which has been done in the past, they used a genetic algorithm.

A genetic algorithm uses the idea of natural selection. It generates solutions and gradually evolves to produce an optimal solution.

Rook liked getting to use different hardware and software tools. He also liked working with UAS.

“The opportunity to work on research and contribute to work that was new and hadn’t been seen before was my favorite part of working in this REU,” Rook said.

REUs are funded by the National Science Foundation.