The Robotics and Automation Laboratory (RAL) and Mechatronics Laboratory (ML) were established in 1982 and 1995 respectively. They have a common mandate: to conduct fundamental and applied research in the science of robotics (semi & fully automated and remote controlled systems) and mechatronics (integration of intelligent & autonomous systems) to educate at undergraduate and graduate levels in the field of robotics and mechatronics to conduct industrial research and development under contract to spin off technologies to the commercial market.