More than 40 exhibitors, including representatives from Rhode Island’s colleges and universities, will attend the Robot Block Party Saturday, April 11, at Brown. They will bring useful machines that walk, talk, fly, play games and lend a hand to their human colleagues. It's family-friendly and free of charge.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — The robots are coming once again to the Pizzitola Sports Center at Brown University.

On Saturday, April 11, 2015, Brown will host the second annual Rhode Island Robot Block Party. The event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., will feature robotics demonstrations and exhibits from universities, industry, community organizations, and school groups from around the state.

The free, family-friendly event is co-sponsored by Brown’s Humanity-Centered Robotics Initiative and the nonprofit Rhode Island Students of the Future.

“Robotics technology will fuel a broad array of products and solutions in manufacturing, health care, agriculture, national defense, and transportation,” said Gov. Gina Raimondo, who is honorary chair of the event. “Robots are also an engaging way for young students to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math. The second annual Robot Block Party is a fun way to build the skills that prepare our students for the 21st-century workforce.”

More than 40 exhibitors will be on hand demonstrating a wide array of robot technologies.

Researchers from the Brown Robotics Lab will demonstrate technologies they’ve developed that enable people to remotely control robots, drones, and other robotic devices over the Web. Such technologies can be used, for example, to help people with disabilities to become more independent. (See a video about the technology.) The group will also demonstrate several telepresence devices that enable people to roam around and interact virtually in remote locations.

Another Brown robotics group, the Humans to Robots lab, will demonstrate their work with Baxter, an industrial robot designed by Rethink Robotics in Massachusetts. A group of planetary scientists from Brown will be on hand to talk about robotic exploration of other planets, including NASA’s Curiosity Rover on Mars and other programs.

Researchers from URI will demonstrate a “flapping fin robot” they helped to develop, as well as an autonomous kayak used to do research in Narragansett Bay. Exhibitors from New England Institute of Technology, RISD, Roger Williams University and Salve Regina University will be on hand as well. A complete list of exhibitors is available online.

More than 1,800 people attended last year’s event, and organizers are hoping for a bigger turnout this year. Admission is free and no tickets are required, but those wishing to attend are encouraged to register for the event online.

The event is part of National Robotics Week, April 4–12, 2015.

Who
Robotics researchers, technology companies, and students from around Rhode Island. A full list of exhibitors is available online.

What
Demonstrations and exhibits will showcase how robots are used in research, manufacturing, and education in Rhode Island.

Where
Pizzitola Sports Center, Brown University
Hope Street at Lloyd Avenue
Providence, R.I.

When
Saturday, April 11, 2015, from noon to 4 p.m.