An Automated Tomato Picker Built in Less Than Two Months
If indoor farming is the future of sustainable agriculture, then AgroBot might help it scale up.
![]() |
Location730 Commonwealth Avenue Hours (Summer 2025)Mon/Thurs/Fri: 11am – 7pm |
RASTIC is a collaborative workspace and community that houses the tools, materials, guidance, and industry connections needed by students to grow their skills and innovate in robotics.
"Perhaps the most modern hands-on robotics facility I have seen in a university."
Jon Hirschtick, founder of Solidworks and Onshape
RASTIC opened in March 2024 through a $9M capital investment from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and Boston University.
At RASTIC, students develop real-world robotics skills through access to advanced tools, community events, and a collaborative and nurturing workspace. They design, build, and test robots ranging from simple consumer devices to GPU-fueled, AI-powered marvels. Aerial and ground-based robots can navigate dynamic landscapes with Hollywood-grade motion-capture and a world-first video floor. Students in medicine, Industry 4.0, and beyond can custom-mold silicone to create the flexible robots needed in these rapidly emerging sectors.
Located at the heart of Boston University's "Innovation Alley", RASTIC eliminates side quests to streamline the robotics innovation process by empowering students to develop, prototype, test, and iterate on their ideas. They can then walk down the street to the Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC) to manufacture larger parts before heading next door to Innovate@BU to develop their business plan and bring their product to market.
Whether applying knowledge gained in a course, pursuing a passion project outside the curriculum, or launching the next generation of robots, RASTIC provides access to robotics innovation for all students.
Over our brief history, RASTIC has already birthed several award-winning projects.
Will yours be next?
If indoor farming is the future of sustainable agriculture, then AgroBot might help it scale up.
RASTIC is a state-of-the-art facility where students can design, build, and test a range of robotic solutions to real-world problems
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has awarded a $4.4 million grant to the College of Engineering to construct a new robotics…
Students, companies eager to participate By Michael Seele Start a new master’s degree program, put together a curriculum, and recruit…
Boston University makes the short list of top Robotics Universities, according to Analytics Insight. The Robotics Lab at Boston University’s…
When it comes to finding a job after graduation, knowledge gained in the classroom and lab is, of course, critical.…