Robots Rock, Roll in Capitol Rotunda

The event showcased Hawai`i students' technical expertise and innovative talents while providing students, parents and educators a chance to learn more about starting or expanding six different robotics programs in their schools.

Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona joined hundreds of students, mentors, teachers, administrators, and military and business leaders to support Hawai`i's robotics participants as they demonstrated robots ranging from three feet to one cubic centimeter in size as well as underwater robots powered by propulsion, robots built out of LEGOs and racing robots.

"This is our future. These children are our future," said Governor Lingle as she encouraged business leaders and the community to learn how they can support Hawai`i's students and ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to successfully compete and become leaders in the 21st century workplace.

"Lt. Governor Aiona and I love sports, but there is no athlete on this planet who is going to solve the renewable energy problem. They are not going to find the cure for Alzheimer's because they have a great three-point shot. You are going to be the ones," the Governor told the students.

With 167 of Hawai`i schools currently participating in a robotics program, 43 percent of Hawai`i's public, private and charter schools have already learned how a strong education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaches students how to solve real-world problems. The Lingle-Aiona Administration has set a goal of 100 percent participation.

Robotics team members from six major robotics programs (including FIRST Robotics, FIRST LEGO League, Botball, Underwater Remote Operating Vehicle, VEX Robotics and Micro Robotics) demonstrated their robots and shared the positive impact it has had on their education.

For one participant, robotics provided new goals and long-term career plans.

"It really made me reconsider what I want to do in life," said Jonathan Tongoe, a junior at Waiakea High School and micro robotics team member.  "I used to be a sports-oriented person; but after becoming involved in robotics, I'm learning things about myself I never knew. I like to tinker with things and I'm now looking into pursuing an engineering career."

The exhibition was also the kick-off of the Hawai`i Robotics Organizing Committee.  Recognizing the importance of promoting robotics at an early age and sustaining students' interest in STEM education throughout their schooling, the six robotics programs have joined together in a coordinated effort to promote robotics education in elementary, middle and high schools statewide.

Robotics is a critical component of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's Hawai`i Innovation Initiative because it engages students in science, technology, engineering and math education and provides them with the teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to continue their education and succeed in the global economy.  Strengthening these aptitudes and abilities in Hawai`i's youth is key to building a brighter future for our state.

One four-year-old visitor, Kaden Sakai Backwell, is ready to join the next generation of leaders.  "I like robots," he said. "And I like math, too."

• To learn more about robotics and to find out how you can start a program at your school, please visit http://robotics.hawaii.gov/
• Watch video of this exhibition and view a photo gallery.

• "Robotics students flex their chips," Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 3, 2008
• "Robotic creations invade the State Capitol," KHON-2, July 2, 2008
• "Robot mania at the Capitol," KHNL-8, July 2, 2008
• "High School Robotics at the State Capitol," KGMB-9, July 2, 2008