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U.VA. HEALTH SYSTEM MEDICAL AUTOMATION RESEARCH CENTER TO INTRODUCE ROBOTICS TO AREA STUDENTS

BattleBots, the popular robots that kids assemble themselves, hit retail shelves this month, but before the technical types go and buy these bots, they may want to get some guidance from the pros at the University of Virginia Health System. The Medical Automation Research Center (MARC) at U.Va. Health System plans to launch a robotics summer camp as part of their Robotics Education Advanced Learning Outreach Program (REAL OP). This program will accept ten middle and high school students from the Charlottesville and Albemarle areas to participate in the hands-on, two-week robotics course. Each student will have access to a LEGO MINDSTORM™ robot kit. Students will design a unique robot and test their designs in a mini-competition at the end of the course.

Our new program will further technological literacy among students, said Robin Felder, director of MARC at U.Va. Health System. The program will inspire them to develop self-directed exploration into robotic, automation and computing systems.

Robotics is a multidisciplinary field that also includes analog and digital electronics, mechanics, physics and system integration and optimization. By participating in the REAL OP program, students have a real opportunity to gain experience in the technology field. The program also exposes students to potential career opportunities, Felder said.

Robotics summer camp is only the tip of the iceberg for the Medical Automation Research Center. REAL OP reaches out to the community through a variety of other programs, including:

  • Student technical training at all levels

  • Teacher technical training for elementary, middle and high school

  • Science museum displays

  • Robotics Summer Camp

  • Classroom visits for elementary, middle and high school

  • Program mentors for Charlottesville and Albemarle students

  • Robotics education curriculums for all grade levels

By next year, program coordinators for REAL OP hope to reach students as young as those in kindergarten with age-appropriate technical instruction.

Robotics summer camp is funded by Carilion Biomedical Institute, the U.Va. Office of Public Service and The Virginia Piedmont Technical Council. The camp begins July 16 and runs through July 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. There is a fee for the camp and scholarships are available.

July 9, 2001