ROBOCAMP GRADUATION SHOWCASES STUDENTS� NEW ROBOTICS SKILLS: "ROBOCAMP GRADUATION SHOWCASES STUDENTS� NEW ROBOTICS SKILLS
After seven weeks of extensive programming instruction and hands-on engineering training, 36 high school students are ready to demonstrate their newly developed skills in autonomous robotics.
On Aug. 15, the diverse group of students will receive their graduation diplomas and conduct robotics demonstrations for family, friends and invited guests. Officials from NASA, Carnegie Mellon University and San Jose State University will address the students and award graduation certificates. After the ceremony, the students' robots will perform a variety of pre-programmed autonomous tasks, such as playing tag, using on-board color cameras and laser range finders.
'A key objective of the summer robotics camp is to inspire students and engage them in understanding both the science and engineering challenges of space exploration,' said Daniel Clancy, acting director of NASA Ames� Information Sciences and Technology Directorate. 'The premise is that space is cool, robots are cool, and the combination of both is really cool. We believe that robotics and space exploration are a way to motivate, challenge and encourage students.'
Judging by the reactions of the students, the program seems to be winning students over and dramatically expanding their horizons.
'RoboCamp has opened my eyes to robotics,' said Jaime Barajas, a student from Sequoia High School, Redwood City, Calif. 'This was better than any program I�ve ever done during the summer.'"
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