The Enterprise Program is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new Enterprise Team: the Urban Intelligence Lab (UI Lab). This innovative team brings together students from multiple disciplines to tackle the challenges of smart and connected cities by leveraging artificial intelligence, deep learning, and sensing technologies to make communities more livable, sustainable, and resilient.
The Urban Intelligence Lab grew out of a vision to connect people, data, and infrastructure in ways that have a tangible impact on daily life. “We saw an opportunity to bring together students from multiple disciplines to design solutions that connect people, data, and infrastructure in new ways while leveraging cutting-edge technologies,” says Gabriel Draughon, assistant teaching professor of Engineering Fundamentals and advisor to the team. The team addresses a critical need in today’s cities: while communities are collecting more data than ever, much of it remains untapped. “Our team develops AI-driven sensing systems and decision-support tools that help planners, governments, and stakeholders better understand, manage, and design the spaces where people live, move, and interact,” Draughon explains.
At Michigan Tech, the UI Lab is poised to make an immediate impact by using the campus as a livingsmart city testbed – a place to experiment with connected technologies in real environments. Students are building prototype computer vision systems, developing interactive dashboards, and working directly with campus administrators and student groups to test their solutions. By tackling real challenges, students gain hands-on experience in a variety of areas that include AI, computer vision, data visualization, and human-centered design—skills at the core of smart cities innovation. And even more importantly, they learn to turn that knowledge and experience into solutions that truly benefit communities. “If you want to combine cutting-edge technology with real-world impact—and work across disciplines like engineering, computer science, urban planning, and social sciences—this Enterprise team offers a unique opportunity to do just that,” Draughon emphasizes.
The Urban Intelligence Lab is aiming to benefit from its student-led, interdisciplinary approach. Students involved with the UI Lab aren’t just going to be learning the technology—they will be seeing how their work connects to policy, urban design, and real community needs. This interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration, sparks innovation, and positions Michigan Tech as a leader in smart cities research and applied problem-solving. Draughon is particularly excited about the opportunities this creates for students: “I’m most excited to see students take ownership of projects and watch their ideas transform into real-world prototypes that people can interact with.”
Looking to the future, the UI Lab team hopes to expand its reach beyond the Michigan Tech campus. They aim to partner with a variety of communities, non-profits, and technology companies that are interested in mobility, sustainability, and community-centered innovation. In five years, Draughon envisions the team as a recognized undergraduate hub for smart cities innovation, with projects deployed in multiple communities and strong industry and government connections.
“The Urban Intelligence Lab is more than just technology—we’re building connections between people, data, and communities.” – Gabriel Draughon
Students who join will not only gain hands-on experience but will also have the chance to see their work improve the spaces and places where people live, work, and interact, leaving a lasting impact on both Michigan Tech and the wider community.
For more information about how to get involved with UI Lab, please contact the Enterprise Program by emailing enterprise@mtu.edu.
About the Enterprise Program
Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program offers students a unique, hands-on learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. With more than 25+ Enterprise teams spanning disciplines such as engineering, business, computing, and science, students collaborate on real-world projects sponsored by industry and government partners. Enterprise students develop technical expertise, leadership skills, and teamwork experience—preparing them for success in their careers. Many teams work on cutting-edge innovations, from automotive and aerospace to sustainability and emerging technologies.
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