Ann Arbor teens to program humanoid robot in new iCode pilot
Ann Arbor teens to program humanoid robot in new iCode pilot
iCode Ann Arbor will demonstrate the robot at its free Sept. 19 grand opening
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 14, 2026 — iCode Ann Arbor is one of 16 iCode campuses participating in a pilot humanoid robotics program for high school students. The public can see its programmable humanoid robot move and dance during the campus’s Community Launch and Grand Opening on Saturday, Sept. 19, and hear about the projects planned for the pilot.
The pilot is being developed for College Accelerator, part of iCode’s larger Youth Innovation Program initiative. The first Ann Arbor cohort is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, but no start date has been set.
Students will work in small teams with instructors and mentors to build mechanical components for the robot and develop software and artificial intelligence systems that shape how it moves and responds. Early projects are expected to include designing and building movable hands for the robot, programming new movements and behaviors and developing a language model that can run directly on the robot. Later projects will explore connecting the robot wirelessly to larger cloud-based language models. Students will document and present their work.
“Humanoid robots are fascinating to watch, but the real opportunity is for students to figure out how to make it more capable,” said Vivek Saran, owner of iCode Ann Arbor. “That could mean writing code, building movable hands or developing ways for the robot to work with AI. The students will be working on real problems where the answer isn’t already sitting in front of them.”
Saran also serves on iCode’s humanoid robotics committee.
iCode Ann Arbor operated summer camps at a temporary location while construction was completed at its permanent campus at 3143 Oak Valley Drive. Regular school-year classes begin the week of Sept. 21.
The Sept. 19 celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3143 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Alongside the humanoid robot demonstrations, visitors can try hands-on technology activities and tour the new classrooms. iCode Ann Arbor instructors and owners will answer questions about the planned pilot and other programs for ages 5-18.
The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber ribbon cutting is expected between 10 and 10:15 a.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome. Event details and optional RSVP are available at grandopening.iCodeAnnArbor.com.
About iCode Ann Arbor
Locally owned by Vivek and Diane Saran, iCode Ann Arbor offers instructor-led technology education for children and teens ages 5-18. Its camps and year-round programs cover coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, drones, game development, 3D design and 3D printing. Programs include school-year Belt classes and AI Studio, with College Accelerator in development for high school students. Learn more at iCodeAnnArbor.com.
Photo, video and interview opportunities: Humanoid robot movement and dance demonstrations, hands-on activities, campus tours and the ribbon cutting. Contact Vivek Saran to arrange an interview or coordinate coverage.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Vivek Saran
Owner, iCode Ann Arbor
734-291-0002
AnnArbor@iCodeSchool.com
Vivek Saran
Owner, iCode Ann Arbor
734-291-0002
AnnArbor@iCodeSchool.com
