The “Battlebots” exercise was part of a new summer robotics camp held for the first time this year by HSU Mathematics Professor Kenneth Owens, designed to expose disadvantaged kids ages 7 to 18 to the world of robotics. The five-day camp gives students a chance to design and build basic robots and learn a little about the math that goes behind their creation.
This year’s campers learned how to build machines that battled each other, climbed up stairs and raced down hallways. A group of advanced students used Java and Spel programming to instruct a robot arm on loan from Sun Valley Floral Farms in Arcata to play basketball and serve cupcakes.
Organized through a partnership with Campbell Creek Connection Church in Arcata, the camp includes lessons in self-esteem, goal setting and the meaning of success. Six students receive a refurbished laptop with robotics software and all participants receive a robot kit and the opportunity to showcase their creations at a final presentation for family and friends.
“For the younger ones, it’s about having fun,” said Owens, who funded the camp through a $30,000 state grant. “For the older ones, it’s an opportunity to expose them to careers in robotics.”
Owens also runs a robotics company in Arcata, Cognisense Labs, which uses remote sensing, robotics, software engineering and applied mathematics to solve environmental problems. Several years ago, the company invented a vehicle guidance, mapping and verification system for international land mine clearing.
This summer, Cognisense and student volunteers developed a robotic software automation system for Sun Valley Floral Farms in Arcata. Camp counselor Jonathan Vaccaro, 19, was part of a team that helped develop the mathematical algorithm.
“I’ve always been interested in robotics but this summer I had an opportunity to work with Dr. Owens on something that had never been done before,” Vaccaro said. “It was an amazing experience.”
Next year’s robotics camp will take place in late August. For more information, call (707) 672-2919.