Emerging Technology

Beyond Robotics

The next wave was represented by our Emerging Technologies interest area. Such technologies as robotics are coming about due to the current state of the world and its changing economies.  While many emerging technologies, such as radar and computer technologies, are still being defined and designed, they are very much a core part of today’s world. Some of the area's more innovative organizations joined us to spark interests at the recent Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota's Wired for 2020 Event.

An especially fascinating area of emerging technology is surface computing.  The iPhone and Microsoft Surface are both current examples of this technology, but experts predict that in the future, we could be surrounded by these intelligent surfaces, from walls to tables and more.  Today's surface computing also incorporates multi-touch computing, meaning that the surface can interact with more than one input - not only from multiple fingers or people, but entire objects as well.  Watch this fascinating demo on YouTube.

Exhibits featured in the Emerging Technology Interest Area at the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota's Wired for 2020 Event at the Mall of America

Emerson Process Management

Exploration of the World of Measurement Technology:  Participants learned how the company's custom transmitters help make many manufacturing plants run more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly.  Youth were able to use radar technology to measure the level of M & M's in a candy dispenser and build transmitters.  Of course, they got to eat the candy from the dispenser!

InCompass IT

The team at Incompass IT showed participants how new technology allows their IT company to automatically turn off large quantities of computers for clients at night and turn them back on without disrupting the client's workflow.  The technology allows the company to be more "green" by saving electricity and money.  Youth also got a chance to play games on a Smart Board!

Edina's FIRST Robotics, The Green Machine Team

Students from Edina showed off the robot they built with the support of a team of adult mentors.  The team featured their robot, Zeus, and its ability to shoot and dump plastic balls.  Edina's team is one of many high school teams across the state, and each group is given just six weeks to design, build, and program their robot.  With a sophisticated kit of parts including motors, sensors, cameras, and electronics, teams build robots that may be as tall as 5 feet and weigh up to 120 pounds.  Congratulations to the Green Machine Team for winning several awards this year!

MCAD

Faculty from MCAD shared with participants what their fine arts and design school has to offer.  Youth learned about the many successful alumni who are working in the field.                                                                            

Check out our photo gallery from the recent Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota's Wired for 2020 Event at http://bit.ly/MPM_Wired_for_2020_Flickr_Photos

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