The Maverick Rural Robotics Lab is dedicated to developing robotic technologies that address the unique challenges of rural communities. We design systems that improve access to medical care, support agricultural output, and extend the reach of innovation to places often overlooked by traditional technology development. Whether it’s building image-guided surgical tools for rural clinics or soft robotic harvesters for small farms, our goal is to create affordable, intelligent, and deployable solutions for the people and industries that need them most.
Based at the University of Arkansas, our proximity to both clinical collaborators and agricultural producers allows us to move quickly from concept to real-world validation. Many of our projects begin with direct engagement — observing a surgical procedure, walking a field, or listening to the pain points of a rural practitioner — and evolve into functional robotic systems designed to meet those needs with precision and practicality.
Students in the Maverick Rural Robotics Lab are trained to be not only engineers but also inventors, collaborators, and systems thinkers. Our work spans prototyping, control, machine learning, user testing, and field deployment, giving students the opportunity to follow projects from idea to solution. We encourage initiative, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong connection to the people and communities our work serves.
Prospective Graduate Students
If you are a passionate student interested in robotics for real-world impact, apply to the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program at the University of Arkansas. In your statement of purpose, indicate your interest in the Maverick Rural Robotics Lab and describe what aspects of our mission align with your goals. After applying, email Dr. Gunderman with your CV and what interests you about the lab.
Prospective Postdocs
If you are a postdoctoral researcher interested in working at the intersection of robotics, rural health, and agriculture, please email Dr. Gunderman with your CV and a brief summary of how your work aligns with the lab’s vision.