Robotics team hosts outreach program in Pakistan

“We hosted a robotics petting zoo for 15 kids in grades three through five,” senior Cadence Forney, robotics team captain, said. “Using hummingbird kits, we introduced these students to the world of robotics.”

Following the event, BotsBurgh donated five hummingbird kits to Hakimi School to support the creation of a robotics curriculum in the school. 

Senior Komel Nulwala was the lone representative from BotsBurgh who attended the Pakistan outreach in-person. Team members who participated with the planning included seniors Cadence Forney, Bryan Deep, Ben Ross, Liam Moriarty and Medha Misra; junior Zahra Hossain; and sophomores Siddharth Kumar, Harish Rajaganapathy and Josh Mukherjee.

“Although our whole team could not physically be there, all helped to support the outreach experience,” Cadence said.

The primary objective of the outreach initiative was to inspire and ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines among the Hakimi School community.

“We sought to bridge the gap and provide access to robotics and technology, knowing that many children and adults in the region have limited exposure to such innovative experiences in their day-to-day lives,” Medha Misra, BotsBurgh outreach coordinator, said. “Through our outreach efforts, we aimed to foster a sense of curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning within the community, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in the field of STEM.”

BotsBurgh robotics team members were thrilled with the response from the Hakimi School students.

“The students enthusiastically participated in the innovative robotic petting zoo activity, showcasing their excitement and creative ideas,” Komel Nulwala said. “The captivating experience not only provided a valuable learning opportunity but also nurtured their creativity and was thoroughly enjoyable for students and teachers alike.”

Cadence hopes that exposure to STEM opportunities will help prepare the Pakistani students in years to come.

“In regions where access to technology is limited, it is vital to establish programs that introduce young children to the concepts of robotics and programming,” Cadence said. “By providing these opportunities, we can ensure that children gain a comprehensive understanding of these subjects, preparing them for the increasing technological demands of the future.”

The BotsBurgh team has upcoming fall outreach events closer to home. Events are planned at the Upper St. Clair Township and Bridgeville libraries. In addition, the team is in the planning phase with the South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) to host the robotics petting zoo program.

The team is actively seeking to host events in the Pittsburgh community. For information, email botsburgh11792@gmail.com.