Student takes part in robot celebration

By: Nico Madias

Special to the Weston Observer

On Saturday, Sept. 27, I participated in the eighth annual MassRobotics RoboBoston Block Party at the Seaport in Boston. MassRobotics is the world’s largest robotics hub. They showcased cutting-edge technology from more than 50 companies, universities, and student teams. My First Tech Challenge team, 26112 Organized Anarchy, demonstrated our robot to the thousands of people who attended the event.

The day kicked off with a robot parade at 10:45 a.m. We wheeled our robot around a city block to crowds that were five people deep. It was a beautiful day, and lots of families turned up for the event. When we arrived back at our tent, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was being interviewed by a TV station right near our table. We were able to meet her and show her our robot. We spent the rest of the day showcasing our robot to people of all ages. Under our close supervision, we let the kids operate the arm of the robot using the game controller. It was fun to see parents and their kids interacting with the technology and learning about robotics.

In the afternoon, I scouted the second tent, which showcased local robotic and tech companies with the latest cutting-edge robot designs. One innovative product aimed at keeping seniors company is the Tombot. This is a lifelike puppy for people who can no longer care for a live animal. This robot helps combat loneliness and depression. The second innovative product that stood out is from Brecourt Solutions. They created an iDFR, which is an indoor drone as a first responder. It delivers instant eyes on the scene and provides real-time intelligence to first responders and security teams to schools and large businesses.

MassRobotics creates opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs to connect with mentoring opportunities and investors. It also provides internships and fellowships. Right now, they offer the Jumpstart Fellowship program to Massachusetts high school girls to learn about careers in robotics.

I really enjoyed learning and engaging in the robotics block party. Connecting with local companies and other high school teams will help Organized Anarchy get to the next level.

Nico Madias is a ninth grader at Weston High School.