Robot block party- helping students around the world

Michael Hardy, igus marketing specialist from the US office, gives us an inside view on the latest YES action overseas:

See here for more information on igus’ YES programme in the UK: http://bit.ly/1ihNcyL

This past Saturday, igus participated in the first ever Rhode Island Robot Block Party, a celebration of National Robotics Week. The event, hosted by the Rhode Island School of the Future Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative at Brown University , free and open to the public, ran from 11 – 4 at Brown University’s Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence, and hosted hundreds of guests throughout the day.

igus was just one of the events’ sponsors, which also included National Grid, Yushin America, IEEE-Providence Section, SSERVI-SEEED, Textron, SAIC, Amica, Tech Collective and the Slater Technology Fund.

Many student projects and STEM skills were on display at the event, from elementary students Lego robots to Brown University Robotics Team full-fledged robotic assistants. igus brought several machines to the show to demonstrate our products, and also spent much of our time discussing the YES program with parents, students, and mentors of robotics teams.

As the event got underway, orange igus was seen across the whole show – bags in hands, brains and clips on tables, and stickers on students’ clothes and projects. Hundreds of giveaways were taken throughout the day, including custom orange igus sunglasses.

In addition to students, parents and educators, several notable Rhode Island public officials attended the party, including David Cicciline, Sheldon Whitehouse, Gina Raimondo, and Alan Fung.

The efforts of igus’ staff at the show was proven, as by Saturday evening, less than 2 hours after the event came to a close, requests for YES program donations were already coming
through. For a follow-up from the party, guests who signed up will be sent information on the YES program, including student request forms.

Thank you,