BUKIT MERTAJAM: They danced, waved and interacted with ease, leaving hundreds of primary school pupils wide-eyed with excitement.
The appearance of two humanoid robots did more than entertain the young audience, as it sparked fresh enthusiasm for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) classes.
Organised by Tech Dome Penang, the humanoid robot performance was held at SK Bandar Baru Perda yesterday to mark Tech Dome’s 10th anniversary.
Year Five pupil Nur Khayla Medina Muhammad Hafiz Afifah, 11, said she was amazed by how the robot could dance and walk like a human.
“It made me want to learn more about robotics because I hope to build one myself one day,” she said.
Another pupil, Ziyad Hakimi Mohd Sharul Nizam, 12, said the demonstration had further fuelled his interest in STEM.
“Watching the humanoid robot in action was fascinating. It has motivated me to study STEM subjects more seriously because I want to understand how robots are designed and programmed,” he said.
For Hfiy Ukasyah, 12, the demonstration changed his perception of science.
“I used to think STEM subjects were difficult, but seeing the robot made learning look exciting. Now I am keen to learn how robots are programmed and how they move,” he said.
Besides the robot demonstration, pupils were introduced to coding, robotics and problem-solving through fun and interactive learning experiences.
School headmaster Halimatun Saadiah Yahya said the programme exposed pupils to current technological developments while raising their awareness of emerging technologies.
“Beyond classroom lessons, this programme provides an outdoor learning experience that complements and reinforces what they have learnt in the classroom,” she said.
Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said the pupils had a rare opportunity to interact with a robot, which is currently unavailable in Penang.
“We brought the humanoid robot from a company in Kuala Lumpur because there isn’t one in Penang.
“We wanted pupils to experience it firsthand and get excited about robotics and STEM,” he said, adding that the programme was part of a flash mob tour of five primary schools aimed at sparking pupils’ interest in STEM.
Besides SK Bandar Baru Perda, the robot will visit SJKC Keng Koon, SJKC Peng Bin, SJKC True Light and SJKT Pematang Tinggi before returning to Tech Dome Penang for its anniversary celebrations.
“When pupils see a humanoid robot dancing, moving and interacting like a human, it captures their imagination.
“Many of them have only seen such robots in movies like Transformers. Now they can see one in real life.
“They also learn that every robot needs to be programmed. In the classroom, pupils usually work with small robot kits, which can make it difficult for them to imagine the possibilities.
“Seeing a full-sized humanoid robot in action gives them a deeper understanding of what technology can achieve and motivates them to pursue STEM,” he said.
