ROBOT DOG FETCHES NEW STUDENTS FOR ROBOTICS CLASS
The newest learning tool at Ben
Barber Innovation Academy gets a lot of looks when students take it outside their classroom . Blazer 1 , as he ’ s been named by the Robotics II class , is built like and acts like a real dog . He can run and follow along on a walk just like a living , breathing canine . But this fourlegged robot is more than a pet .
Mansfield ISD is the first public school district in the country to purchase the Unitree Go 1 Robot . It was purchased using federal grant funds . Blazer 1 ’ s technology is cutting edge and provides a unique programming experience for MISD science , technology , engineering and math ( STEM ) students .
The industrial versions of Blazer 1 are now being used to increase security at military bases . A year ago , Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City , Florida purchased the first robot dogs for the U . S . military to patrol their base looking
The students in the class program Blazer 1 to patrol the hallway .
for anything out of the ordinary . Robotics II instructor Jimmie Green ’ s students are developing code that will allow Blazer 1 to perform similar functions — patrolling the hallways at the school or being sent to specific locations in the building if there is an emergency .
The cameras onboard the robot are able to pair with an iPhone or iPad and transmit a real-time video signal .
The students are using advanced robotics skills to create Blazer 1 ’ s programming . If you visit , you ’ ll see them in the halls evaluating whether the code was a success . Those test runs have been a great marketing tool for the robotics program .
“ I ’ ve got kids already signing up for Robotics II now . I ’ ve got a waiting list because they know they ’ re going to be able to program this and be able to utilize this robot ,” said Green . “ We walked him around the school , and some of the kids were scared of the robot ; some of them embraced him . I think I stole about 40 students from other programs .”
Whether as a tool to recruit more STEM students or a training ground for future careers , the Unitree Go 1 Robot has become a welcome addition to the robotics program .
MISD SCHOOL GETS GRANT FOR COMMUNITY POP-UP RACE
Since not all children have the opportunity to participate in a marathon event , The Cowtown — which hosts a large annual race in Fort Worth — decided to bring the race to kids .
The Cowtown to spread that mission and host a run for its community . Every child who signed up for the race was given a new pair of running shoes , socks , a T-shirt and a finisher medal for only $ 9 .
Pop-up runs are part of the organization ’ s mission to promote a lifelong love of fitness . Donna Shepard Leadership Academy recently received a grant from
The day was filled with families bonding over fitness . More than 240 students and parents took part in the race on April 6 . Organizers said about 100 of those students did their very first 5K event that day .
After crossing the finishing line , runners received a medal .
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