The Faculty of Engineering (FOE) at the University of Balamand has unveiled a pioneering innovation developed entirely in-house — BRIAN, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven autonomous robot designed, programmed, and implemented at FOE to provide efficient navigation and delivery services within the faculty of engineering premises.

BRIAN — short for Balamand Robotic Intelligent Assistant Navigator – is the result of a final year project by Engineer Saad El Hallal, developed under the expert supervision of Dr. Rodrigue Imad (Associate Professor at the Computer Engineering Department at FOE). Saad graduated on 12 July 2025 holding the Bachelor of Engineering Degree after his project’s defense that was presented on 05 June 2025. He is the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Innovation for Class of 2025.

BRIAN is engineered to autonomously navigate the Engineering Complex building layout of the faculty, providing efficient and reliable delivery and orientation services. It assists students, faculty members, and visitors by offering real-time orientation to locate specific departments and facilities, while also delivering items across the faculty. Equipped with advanced mapping and obstacle avoidance capabilities, BRIAN ensures seamless and reliable operation in dynamic and busy environments.

In addition to its logistical functions, BRIAN serves as an intelligent assistant for students. Users can interact with BRIAN to inquire about academic topics, enjoy engaging conversations, or request general assistance. BRIAN also manages meeting schedules with the Dean’s Office for both students and staff, and provides up-to-date office hours for professors, ensuring easy access to important faculty information and services.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Saad and his supervisor for this innovative unique robot, stating: “BRIAN not only sets a new standard for smart campus assistance, but also stands as a testament to the innovation and forward-thinking mindset of Balamand’s engineering students; a true symbol of how technology and education can come together to enhance the academic experience. Saad showed great maturity during the last academic year contributing to another innovative robot’s design, ENVIBOT, making him worthy of the Dean’s Award for Innovation.”

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