By John Tredrea, Special Writer
We humans have long been fascinated with them: robots.
Some of them resemble us. Though machines, some robots have limbs that resemble our arms and legs, a core area that resembles our torso and a fixture atop their torso that resembles our heads.
Tapping into this intense interest in robots, educators have for years used them as educational tools to help students learn about technology, programming and other areas of computer use, electronics and other areas.
Both Hopewell Valley Central High School and Timberlane Middle School have robotics programs.
Now, thanks to donations, the Pennington Library is able to offer a summer robotics program, led by Robotessey Robots. Titled “Robot Heroes to the Rescue,” this hands-on workshop will teach computational literacy using autonomous robots.
This challenge will employ a gripper and sensor on the front of each robot and a contest board with “rubble” obstacles blocking the path to the victim.
In announcing the program, school district and library officials said it will be elementary enough to enable first-time robotics participants to handle it. Twelve autonomous mobile robots and 12 laptop computers will be provided along with software and a contest table for the final challenge.
The space is very limited; this opportunity is offered to Toll Gate students first before opening up to the entire school district.
To register, parents can reply to Cindy Persichilli at [email protected] or [email protected].
The program will be held Wednesday July 22, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the library.
