Robot Revolution, the newest awe-inspiring and interactive exhibit from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science opened last weekend after much anticipation. This groundbreaking experience opens our eyes to the capabilities that technology now affords us via robotics while giving us a glimpse into the exciting realities of the not-so-far away future! The exhibit caters to all ages so bring the whole family. We took our five year old boys—this was a snippet of our experience:
I knew we were off to a good start when we encountered a life size R2D2 greeting patrons and offering photo ops at the exhibit entrance. I have to admit, it felt a little like a celebrity siting and I think my boys could have gone home happy after that experience alone!
But in we went…
The exhibit is quite large, be sure to give yourself ample time to peruse the many hands-on elements and intriguing displays.
After watching an exciting game of ‘bot soccer we moved on to maneuver robot “grippers” selecting and picking up objects, steering robots up and down inclines and in and out of tunnels. Directing a little guy to complete maneuvers such as push-ups and karate chops with the touch of a button elicited giggles from all of us.
We spent some time petting PARO, a furry baby seal therapy robot with sensors that responded to our touch. (SO sweet!) The boys played a robot in tic-tac-toe robot while my husband and I played ‘21’ with a robotic dealer (I won! No cash though :-).
Other highlights included the live, interactive drone show complete with audience participation. Fascinating for all of us was watching the technicians in action through the glassed-in Robo Garage as they worked on and re-charged the actual robots from the exhibition. The final stop was the most fun—making and experimenting with our own robots with Bee-Bots, Snap Circuits, and Cubelets. Snapping the various cubes together and discovering how to make them move, stop, spin and light-up was super cool. Think Legos meet remote-control cars with endless construction possibilities. Had to tear them away from that one!
Here are the Top 10 Things to Do
- Watch soccer ‘bots compete in a match.
- Experiment with various advanced robot “grippers” to select and pick up objects.
- Make “eye” contact with ROBOTIS-OP as it follows faces using visual tracking software.
- Feel PARO, a furry baby seal therapy robot with sensors, respond to your touch.
- Try a surgical training simulation to see what it is like to perform robotic surgery.
- Participate in a live stage show about drones and their emerging capabilities.
- Play 21 with a Yaskwawa/Motoman dual-arm robot, and compete with Baxter, a robot developed to work alongside humans in factories, in simultaneous games of tic-tac-toe.
- Control THES, a snake-like ‘bot that can crawl through pipes and alert humans to leaks or system damages.
- Try on robot costumes, and play and experiment with Bee-Bots, Snap Circuits, and Cubelets.
- Watch technicians in action through the glassed-in Robo Garage as they maintain the robots in the exhibition.
Again, my boys are not quite five years old; there were certainly some parts of the exhibit that were over their heads but certainly was still worth the visit– they were asking to go back as soon as we left! Slightly older kiddos, (boy and girls), and adults alike will find the technology fascinating and highly entertaining.
The exhibit runs through August 7th and tickets for the general public are now on sale. General visitors pay $23.95 adult, $19.95 senior (age 65+), $17.95 junior/student (ages 3–18 or with a student ID). Museum members receive a discount on admission. Timed tickets will be required and advance reservations are encouraged. Group pricing is available. Be sure to add it to your to summer ‘must-do’ list, if not before!
For more information visit Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Katie Garces is a Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner at Green Plate Kate. A foodie at heart, Katie incorporates a real-food philosophy in her nutrition coaching but loves diving deeper with her clients to round out mind/body wellness including personal development, mindful-living and even spirituality. You can find foodie pics and inspo on Instagram, recipes onPinterest, health and wellness on Facebook. Come check out her private FB group, Sexy, Spiritual & Sane!
Author: Mile High Mamas
Amber Johnson
Can’t wait to check it out!
Mandy
I’m glad you wrote this from the perspective of a mom with younger kids. I was wondering if my kids were too young to go but though some of it will be over their heads, I think we’ll still enjoy it.
Lana
WE’re going tomorrow. Perfect timing on the tips.