A robotic dog walks into a room, capturing images of the space and using artificial intelligence and image modeling to assess maintenance and safety concerns.
Programmed by students in Cal State Fullerton’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, the robot is designed to automate home inspections and has the potential to benefit both rental owners and tenants.
“Some tenants may feel more comfortable having a dog walk through their house than a human,” explained Mason Jennings, a Class of 2026 computer science grad. “It can also provide safety for the renter, so they understand what sanitation concerns or other physical obstacles are in a space before they send in humans.”
Jennings and his teammates applied to work on the senior capstone project because of its real-world applications. The College of Engineering and Computer Science has longstanding connections with corporate partners like Month2Month, a short-term rental company that collaborated with Bai’s lab and provided guidance on the robotic project.
“I’ve always been interested in how technology works and how it can make people’s lives better,” Jennings said.
Yu Bai, professor of electrical and computer engineering, said projects like the robotic dog ensure that CSUF students are prepared to meet critical workforce needs brought on by the rapid evolution of AI and robotics. The university’s ECS Innovation Hub, which will feature a drone, robotics and navigation lab, is currently under construction with a fall 2027 completion date.
“Right now, there’s a skill gap in the industry because of AI, and we’re closing that gap by training students in AI software and programming,” explained Bai. “This project provides them with hands-on experience and critical skills that companies are looking for, like programming, target-oriented development, communication and teamwork.”
The student team, which includes Tommy Nguyen, Daniel Palomera and Osvaldo Torres, will present their project at the ECS Student Project Innovation Expo 2026.
“I could not have been more grateful to find this team,” Jennings said. “We bring out the best in each other.”
Jennings chose Cal State Fullerton for its large community and campus amenities. His brother, Keillor, graduated with a computer science degree from CSUF in 2025.
“I didn’t want to just show up to class every day and then drive home,” he said. “I wanted to come to a place where I could spend time.”
Jennings can often be found in the Pollak Library, a space he calls “open and collaborative.” He is also a frequent visitor to the Project RAISE Resource Center in McCarthy Hall, where he’s met a network of transfer students, and the Student Recreation Center, where he participates in swimming and yoga.
As a tutor in the University Learning Center, Jennings helps other students with entry-level computer science classes.
“Learning new concepts hasn’t always come easily to me, so I’m excited to give back and help students learn things that I struggled with,” Jennings said.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but I feel like I’ve grown so much since I started here at Cal State Fullerton,” Jennings said. “When I’m learning a new concept, and I’m not understanding it, I’ve developed a mindset of wanting to learn it even more.
“I think it’s good to challenge myself. I feel like it’ll help me go farther in life.”