After a two-month-long contest among the student body at St. Clair College, the College's Unitree R1 Humanoid finally has a name: Clairion.
The name was announced during a media conference at St. Clair College's Main Windsor Campus, where even Clairion commented on the new name.
"WOW! Now that is a name! CLAIRION. Cognitive Learning Artificial Intelligence Robotic Innovation and Operations Network. Quite a mouthful for someone who doesn't even have lungs!" Clairion said. "I came here with circuits, sensors, and a body built to move. Now I've got an identity!"
The name was submitted by Protection, Security & Investigation student Mohammad Alkhateb – who received a $200 bookstore gift card and St. Clair College swag as a prize for the winning submission.
"I am intelligence in motion, curiosity in action, and innovation with legs! But here's the twist. You think you're here to teach me? What if we end up learning from each other? At St. Clair College, we're not just imagining the future. We're building it, questioning it, and giving it room to move. So, students, bring your wildest ideas, your boldest questions, and maybe a little patience while I master walking. I'm CLAIRION. You've given me a name. Now let's make some history!" Clairion added.
The Unitree R1 Humanoid model was purchased by St. Clair College's Research and Innovation department with a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), through the Applied Research Tools and Instruments grant.
"As our Canadian supplier confirmed, Clairion is the first Unitree R1 humanoid robot delivered in North America, making this an exciting milestone for St. Clair College," said John Lopez, program manager for Research and Innovation.
Clairion has been on several visits to local manufacturing facilities throughout the region, with the goal of understanding how humanoid technology could enhance existing operations, improve efficiencies, and potentially transform certain processes. These visits have provided valuable insight into practical applications and potential use-cases for this emerging technology.
The department has also engaged students in the Robotics Club and Data Analytics program, providing opportunities for students to explore programming, develop tasks, and collect and share data using this technology.
"This hands-on experience will help reshape how students think about the future of technology and the skills that will be required in tomorrow's workforce," Lopez said. "It will give them firsthand exposure to, and practical experience with, a rapidly evolving technological environment."
"Initiatives like this help position St. Clair College at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovation. We're excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to seeing how Clairion evolves and what new opportunities and advancements will come from this," added Lopez.
Clairion will also be present at the upcoming Fall Open House on Nov. 7, 2026, at the Windsor Main Campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet prospective students and showcase its abilities to all visitors.
