Robotic ‘William’ and ‘Mary’ cruise campus

Both Mary and William are taken across campus as the robotic researchers teach the devices to recognize various objects.

WILLIAMSBURG – It might be a bit surprising the first time you encounter ‘William’ and ‘Mary,’ who have spent their summer months learning the lay of the land at the College of William and Mary.

Just about a year old each, both are little creatures about 2 feet wide and 26 inches long that spend most summer days navigating the campus and soaking up each peculiar sound.

To visitors, they may look like souped-up remote-control vehicles. To a group of researchers, students and professors at the college, they are part of cutting-edge robotic technology.

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