By Andy Choi
Last week, the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab of Stanford was embellished with the third annual Robot Block Party. A variety of robots and robotic technology arrived from the San Francisco Bay Area, to participate in this event.
A wide variety of machines entertained the crowd, including this humanoid robot, which danced an automated choreography to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller
The visitors at the event were excited and thrilled by the virtual demonstration with robots. The entire range of robots entertained the guests at the 2012 Robot Block Party.
Some of the many robots that entertained the guests include the following:
- Autonomous vehicles and drones, medical robots that simplify surgical procedures and enables high-accuracy, and robots deployed in film and television operations.
- Entertainment robots - one such robot danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller and enthralled a large number of children at the event.
- Humanoids – At the event, inventors showcased and demonstrated homemade machines, wherein a robot tossed basketballs into a hoop and another stayed up above the ground within the area, directed through a remote control.
Some organizations demonstrated the method of design and construction of robots using a smartphone, Lego bricks feasible for kids. In addition, an advertised summer camp was initiated for kids who are interested in engineering.
According to Ryan Calo, Stanford's Center for Internet and Society’s director of privacy and robotics, this event provides more inspiration to the younger generation. Over 150 similar events are scheduled to be hosted across the country to promote the capabilities of robotics and to impart the challenges in science and technology among the students.
The 2012 block party at Stanford included a job fair. It served as a potential platform where several inventors and job seekers submitted their resume with established companies.
Source: http://www.stanford.edu/