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Robots & Pencils at ASU's Agentic AI Summit

Robots & Pencils, a leading partner in applied AI solutions, is excited to announce its participation as a returning sponsor for the Agentic AI and the Student Experience Summit at Arizona State University (ASU) from October 20 to 22, 2026. Held at the Omni Tempe Hotel, this summit is a crucial event for exploring innovative ways to integrate AI into the educational experience.

Innovating Education with AI

At this year's summit, Elliott Hedman, the Lead AI Strategist for Education at Robots & Pencils, will be joining a panel discussion focused on the critical role of agentic AI in higher education. The session titled "Using AI to help professors start the conversations students avoid," will delve into how AI can proactively identify students who may be struggling with their academic performance or facing issues related to integrity. This preventative approach is essential, as providing timely support can make all the difference in a student's educational journey.

"Most AI tools wait for a student to reach out for help. The best ones recognize when a student might be in need and intervene before they even have to ask," explains Hedman. His expertise, stemming from a Ph.D. in psychophysiology, AI, and user research from MIT, will guide the conversation towards developing systems that actively engage students, ensuring they receive the resources they need without delay.

Shaping the Future of Student Support

The discussion on agentic AI comes at a time when many educational leaders are reassessing their approaches to student communication. For the past few years, higher education institutions have been experimenting with various AI-driven chatbots and assistive technologies. However, many of these tools only answer questions that students already know to ask. The challenge moving forward is to find solutions that can resonate with disengaged students who do not proactively seek assistance.

Jason Lacy, Senior Vice President and Client Partner at Robots & Pencils, emphasizes that the effectiveness of agentic AI lies in its ability to engage students early. “Agentic AI in higher education should be evaluated on whether it helps students before they need to ask for help and whether faculty and staff are confident in directing students towards these resources.” This measurement standard for proactive support is becoming increasingly important as institutions aim to integrate AI into their support systems.

Ongoing Commitment to ASU

Throughout the three-day summit, the Robots & Pencils team, including Hedman, Senior Delivery Manager Alison DuBose, and Technical Lead Chetan Thayur, will be available to discuss ongoing collaborations with ASU’s leadership. The company has successfully implemented several AI-driven systems at ASU, including the MediaPlus platform, which integrates media services, and a financial aid chatbot that operates 24/7.

Notably, their current project, Nova Sol, focuses on identifying and outreach to students needing assistance, thereby addressing the issues proactively rather than reactively. This initiative aligns with Robots & Pencils’ commitment to not only enhance educational experiences but also empower students through timely interventions.

Connecting with Higher Education Leaders

Educational leaders attending the summit can connect with the Robots & Pencils team to discuss innovative AI applications in their institutions. Interested individuals can reach out to Jason Lacy directly or visit their website for more information.

In conclusion, Robots & Pencils is at the forefront of transforming how educational institutions support their students through advanced AI technology. Their participation in ASU's Agentic AI and the Student Experience Summit represents a commitment to fostering proactive student support and enhancing the overall academic experience.