The Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science (COES) has officially introduced its newest and most innovative ambassador: CHIP, a robotic dog enhanced by COES students.
Unveiled during the College’s 2026 Commitment Day, CHIP made its first public appearance as a symbol of the applied and collaborative learning that defines the COES experience. More than a mascot, CHIP represents the future of engineering education where disciplines intersect, ideas flourish, and students bring technology to life.
CHIP stands for Canine Hybrid Intelligence Platform, a name submitted by senior Computer Science student Kieran Gilpin, and selected through a college-wide naming contest voted on by the COES student body.
“I wanted a name that reflected both the technology behind the robot and the human creativity that brings it to life,” said Gilpin. “CHIP represents that blend of innovation and collaboration that defines COES while also including four of the 12 Tenets of Tech.”
CHIP serves as a platform for interdisciplinary student innovation:
- Computer Science students developed robotic systems and behavior
- Electrical Engineering students lead system integration
- Mechanical Engineering students contributed custom design elements, including a 3D-printed bulldog head
- Civil Engineering students will design and build CHIP’s doghouse
CHIP’s personality reflects the values of the college, serving as a curious explorer, supportive teammate, problem solver, and optimistic builder. With a mission rooted in caring, hope, integrity, and pride, CHIP is designed to engage prospective students, inspire future engineers and scientists, and celebrate the achievements of the COES community.
CHIP was made possible through philanthropic support. Rosilynn Gillum, COES director of development, worked alongside a COES Electrical Engineering alumnus to secure the funding that brought the robotic dog to campus.
“Projects like CHIP show what’s possible when our alumni invest in student experiences,” said Gillum. “This is more than a donation. It’s an opportunity for students to engage, create, and see their ideas come to life in a meaningful way.”
As COES continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning and innovation, CHIP will play a central role in outreach, student engagement, and storytelling, bringing engineering to life in a way that is both accessible and inspiring. From classrooms to community events, CHIP is poised to become a recognizable and beloved presence, an embodiment of the college’s commitment to shaping the next generation of innovators.