“Robotics to the Rescue” Hitachi Celebrates Science Day
The Hitachi Southern California Regional Community Action Committee (SCRCAC) in partnership with the California Science Center (CSC), hosted close to 200 children, parents and teachers at the eighth annual “Hitachi Celebrates Science Day” held at the CSC. The theme of the event, “Robotics to the Rescue”, featured Hitachi’s humanoid robot EMIEW3 who performed various functions throughout the day, including, dancing, talking, and speaking in sign language.
Each of the attendees, whose grade levels ranged from 4th to 8th , were divided into groups and were asked to make robotic arms. They were also given the chance to interact with EMIEW during the day and ask him to perform real life functions. "It was so much fun especially when I could tell the robot what to do” said Lucian from No Limits for Deaf Children, one of the several groups invited to the day. Roboticists from the Hitachi Global Center for Social Innovation were on hand to ensure that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. Prior to the event, a meet and held greet was held with educators throughout the area. The research team was interested in what the educators had to say about the type of functions they would like to see a robot perform in a school environment and what the priorities were for each of the educators.
On hand to present a Certificate of Congressional Recognition during the Science Day event, was a representative from California Congressman Ted Lieu’s office. Hitachi received the certificate in recognition and celebration of the company’s remarkable commitment to encouraging younger students to take an interest in and pursue a career in the STEM field through “Hitachi Celebrates Science Day” and with sincere appreciation and dedication to supporting the next generation of scientists.
“Hitachi Celebrates Science Day” was created to confront the challenge schools in all our communities face, underfunded, inadequate, one dimensional science education. By sponsoring Science Day, Hitachi is bringing science to youth which may live in at risk and underfunded educational communities and may be at higher risk of gang involvement, criminal activity, alcohol, tobacco and drug use. The hope is to raise interest in these young people to pursue a career in the STEM field.
"We thank Hitachi for the opportunity to join you on Science Day. The best part of field trips is to see the expression of awe on a child's face. From the venue to the interactive robot, EMIEW, to their glee when their robotic arms worked, the day was awe-inspiring. Partners like you play a pivotal role in our mission to prepare our youth for not only theirs but for our communities' collective future. Again, thank you" said Anna Araujo, executive of East LA Rising Boys and Girls, another group which attended the day.
