Campbelltown, 17th August 2024 – As part of National Science Week, the HJ Daley Library was transformed into a hub of innovation with a FREE Robotics Show, hosted by Young Innovators Australia and supported by Inspiring Australia. The event drew in children, parents, and community members eager to explore the exciting world of robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Running from 10 AM to 3 PM, the show featured hands-on demonstrations, expert talks, and interactive activities designed to inspire the next generation of innovators. Kicked off the day with a captivating demonstration of their 2024 robotics and coding technologies, followed by hands-on activities using EV3 robotics, where kids not only learned but had fun building and programming their robots.

A lively Kahoot competition saw participants testing their newfound knowledge, with prizes awarded to the winners. The day wasn’t just for the kids, as parents were invited to engage in discussions about the importance of STEM in education and how it can prepare their children for the future.

A lineup of guest speakers added depth to the event:

  • Richard Baranski, Churchill Fellow, offered an insightful talk on the Evolution of Robots, detailing how far the technology has come.
  • Shafqat Ali discussed Robotics and Future Jobs, providing an outlook on how robotics is transforming industries and creating new career paths.
  • Daniya Syed, an accomplished Mechatronics Engineering student, shared her journey representing Australia in international robotics competitions and highlighted her project, MediBot, which has the potential to revolutionise healthcare. Daniya, who won a silver medal at the 2022 Robotics Olympics in Switzerland and was named the 2024 7News Young Achiever, also spoke about her passion for promoting STEM education.

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony recognising outstanding contributions by the participants, guest speakers, and volunteers. Meredith Hall, Manager at Inspiring Australia (NSW), was also present to support the initiative. Light refreshments were provided, allowing guests to network and discuss the importance of STEM education for youth.

This successful event not only offered a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about robotics but also fostered a sense of community around the importance of STEM learning. Young Innovators Australia announced an upcoming 8-week robotics program, giving children more opportunities to dive deeper into robotics and coding.

With such a positive response, this event marks an important step in promoting STEM education in Campbelltown and preparing today’s youth for the technologies of tomorrow.