[I wish more areas would do things like this!]
by Somerset Reporter (Somerset, NJ)
Saturday June 20, 2009, 9:33 AM
As part of its continuing mission of furthering science and engineering education through hands-on robotics instruction, Storming Robots Technology Learning Center will hold its second RoboeXpo, an exhibition of robotics projects, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 21 at Cedar Hills Prep Elementary School in Somerset.
RoboeXpo will highlight the accomplishments of students ranging from elementary to high school students as they present some of their favorite robotic projects. Exhibits will include individual projects, group projects and team challenges.
“By starting to learn robotics technology early, these students are sharpening their ability to deal with increasingly complex technology in their futures,” said Storming Robots founder and RoboClub advisor Elizabeth Mabrey. “Whether these students become engineers or roboticists, or other professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or schoolteachers, their resourcefulness and appreciation of the power of knowledge will help them to excel.”
Robotics projects on display will include a wide variety of student-programmed projects featuring simple to complex motion controls and sensor feedback, as well as structures that range from wheels and gears to basic walking mechanisms.
Team challenges, highlighting both cooperation and competition, such as Robotics Geocaching simulation, Robot Ping-Pong simulation. All projects are programmed to be fully autonomous. Some of the high school projects are truly college level quality. To conclude the RoboeXpo, students are given a technical treat – “Extreme Robot Sumo” match.
“The intensity of the program was directly reflected in the complexity of the robots,” said Karen Van Blarcrum, mother of RoboClub member Morgan Van Blarcrum. “You should feel very proud with your clubs’ accomplishments. Your robots rocked!”
The event is open to past and present RoboClub members and their families, as well as anyone who is interested in learning more about robotics technology.
The day is open to the general public from 2-3:30 p.m. Free admission to all immediate families of students exhibiting their projects, while $5 admission is charged for others.
