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News
03.11.06
Robots Coming to Science Center
Inventor Dean Kamen, UTC, CT Center for Science & Exploration Announce Robot Exhibit Plans for Science Center
HARTFORD, CT – (March 11, 2006) – Inventor Dean Kamen, United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration (CTCSE) today announced plans to create a cutting edge robotics exhibit at the new science center now under construction in Hartford. The announcement was made at the United Technologies New England Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, founded by Kamen, and sponsored by UTC and CTCSE. The competition, known as the “varsity sport for the mind”, is being held this weekend at the new Connecticut Convention Center.
“We want to create a culture where science and technology are celebrated, and young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes,” said Kamen, who is also a member of the CTCSE’s Board of Trustees. “This is an exciting and unique opportunity. I look forward to working with the great scientists of UTC, the aspiring young engineers from their FIRST Teams, and the science center’s exhibit team to create an exciting introduction to the world of engineering and invention through robotics.”
UTC engineers are among those technology leaders who volunteer to mentor teams of ambitious young scientists from schools around Connecticut and the world to compete in FIRST Robotics. UTC is also a founding sponsor of the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration.
“Today’s students are our future engineers,” said David Hess, president of Hamilton Sundstrand, a UTC business unit. “It’s important for technology companies such as Hamilton Sundstrand to foster young peoples’ interest and passion in science and technology.”
This weekend, 13 teams competing in the New England Regional are sponsored by UTC units. Above and beyond corporate support, the company’s employees devote extensive time and energy to working side-by-side with budding young scientists and engineers who build working robots for this weekend’s regional robot showdown.
The mentoring engineers, future scientists and Kamen will work with the Center’s exhibit design team to create the FIRST Robotics exhibit, which will be on display when the new science center opens its doors to the public. While details will be determined by the design team, the exhibit will capture the excitement and energy of the FIRST Robotics programs, which help students discover the rewarding and engaging process of innovation and engineering. Potential elements of the interactive exhibit to be developed by the design team include how robots work, their many current and potential functions, remote navigation, and leading edge applications, such as space exploration.
“Having a science luminary like Dean Kamen and the finest engineers in their field work with our kids is a very effective way of building a new generation of scientists,” said Dr. Ted Sergi, president & CEO of the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration. “With the ideas of the leading science visionaries, and the most promising young science minds anywhere, we are sure to design and build an exhibit that will inspire others to participate in FIRST programs, and the field of engineering overall.”
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of high school students and their mentors with solving a pre-determined robotics problem in six-weeks, utilizing a standard kit of parts, a strict rulebook, and the power of their own skills and imaginations. Each team of aspiring inventors must build a robot from the given parts and enter it in a series of competitions that are designed by Kamen, and a committee of engineers and professionals. The popular competition reaches over 28,000 high-school students on over 1,125 teams from across the world, including over 1,000 students competing in the New England Regional. Younger children participate in the FIRST LEGO League for elementary and middle school aged students, which is also supported locally by Kamen and CTCSE.
The regional competition in Hartford is one of 33 regional events taking place this year across the world in a period of 5 weeks. This is the event’s first year at the new convention center, where it hopes to expand with new teams in the years to come.
CT Center for Science & Exploration
The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, now under construction at Adriaen’s Landing in Hartford, will spark creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, interactive experiences. The Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of the Connecticut, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration. Details, images, news releases and live webcam are available online at www.ctcse.org.
FIRST Robotics
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization designs accessible innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.
UTC
United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company that provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the building systems and aerospace industries. Fortune Magazine has ranked UTC as a “Most Admired” company every year since 2001 based on criteria including social responsibility, innovation and financial performance.
Contacts: Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration
Michelle Morales - 860.727.0457 (116) or 917.596.3376
United Technologies Corporation
Judi DiScipio - 860.728.7980
FIRST Robotics
Michael Sperber – 860.654.2291
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Mike Sperber, Regional Chair of the United Technologies New England Regional FIRST Robotics Competition; David Hess, president of Hamilton Sundstrand; Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST and CT Center for Science & Exploration Board Member; and Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, president and CEO of the CT Center for Science & Exploration, at the announcement of a robotics exhibit planned for the new science center. Click to download. |
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Inventor Dean Kamen, member of the CT Center for Science & Exploration's Board of Trustees, announces plans for a robot exhibit at the new science center. The announcement was made at the United Technologies New England Regional FIRST Robotics Competition in Hartford 3/11. |
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With friends looking on, a participant at the United Technologies New England Regional FIRST Robotics Competition tries to make a basket using the CT Center for Science & Exploration's new exhibit prototype. |
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A participant at the United Technologies New England Regional FIRST Robotics Competition tests the CT Center for Science & Exploration's new exhibit prototype. |
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Heather Harkins, of the CT Center for Science & Exploration, helps a class of 2nd graders play with the Center’s new exhibit prototype at the United Technologies New England Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. |
