Robert Selkowitz
Papers
2
Total Citations
5
H-Index
2
About
Robert Selkowitz is a computer scientist and educator whose work sits at the intersection of intelligent robotics, low-cost hardware design, and project-based learning. His most recognized contribution is the development of **Shallow Blue**, a fully autonomous chess-playing robot constructed from Lego NXT bricks and programmed using Java and Lejos. This system, which competed in the AAAI 2011 Small Scale Manipulation Challenge, demonstrated that sophisticated embodied AI agents could be built with consumer-grade components at minimal cost—a philosophy that defines Selkowitz’s research. His 2011 paper, *“Lego Plays Chess,”* has earned 3 citations, while its follow-up in 2014, detailing the cross-curricular educational impact of Shallow Blue, has garnered 2 citations. Though modest in citation count, the work’s true influence lies in its pedagogical reach: Selkowitz used Shallow Blue as a platform for interdisciplinary undergraduate projects spanning computer science, engineering, and robotics. His approach champions accessibility, proving that complex AI systems need not be exclusive to well-funded labs. For students and researchers interested in low-cost robotics, embodied AI, or STEM education, Selkowitz’s work offers a compelling blueprint for building intelligent systems that are both affordable and deeply educational.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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