The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)
Issue link: http://wpialumnimag.epubxp.com/i/95644
Wπ mission accomplished TouchTomorrow Celebrates Science, Technology, and Robots T 12 Fall 2012 HEY CAME TO PILOT space rovers, launch rockets, hang with astronauts—and witness top robotics teams compete for $1.5 million in NASA prize money. Moms and dads, tots and teens, faculty, VWDII DOXPQL DQG IULHQGV ƂOOHG WKH FDPSXV FDSWLYDWHG E\ GR]HQV RI hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. TouchTomorrow, a festi- val of science, technology, and robots held on campus June 16, was by all accounts a shining moment in WPI's longstanding commitment WR . WR KRVW WKH SUHVWLJLRXV 1$6$ &HQWHQQLDO; &KDOOHQJH; DQG WKH ƂUVW (DVW Coast venue. "WPI has clearly set the bar high," says Sam Ortega, program man- ager for the NASA Centennial Challenges Program. "TouchTomorrow was a wonderful showcase for technology, particularly robotics, and its importance in exploring space and improving quality of life on earth." WPI launched the festival, which ran concurrent to the NASA chal- lenge, to attract all ages to the wonder and fun of technical disci- plines. Mission accomplished. According to one of the NASA educa- tors stationed at the Campus Center, "the crowds were thicker than at Universal Studios." Final count: 7,000 visitors. "It was exhilarating," says Stu Kazin '61, one of several WPI trustees in attendance. "I was never more proud to be a member of the WPI community. It was a coup for the school and for the city." Participants had the opportunity to go on a lunar quest, explore black holes, visit a virtual space station, and be photographed in a NASA space suit. They jammed Olin Hall to meet astronauts Chris Ferguson and Lee Morin, who were among the guests at the opening ceremonies emceed by President Dennis Berkey. Other guests included Congressman Jim McGovern, NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver, DQG FKLHI WHFKQRORJLVW 0DVRQ 3HFN DV ZHOO DV :RUFHVWHU FLW\ RIƂFLDOV ,Q EHWZHHQ VFKHGXOHG HYHQWV 1$6$ RIƂFLDOV PLQJOHG ZLWK YLVLWRUV enjoying out-of-this-world music, space-themed food, and cutting- edge technologies, including a new GOAT on campus—the Guest Ori- entation, Assistance, and Telepresence robot tour guide. Crowds lingered at the day's end, reluctant to leave. Although none of the NASA challenge competitors met the criteria for a win this year, faculty, staff, and community organizations are joyfully calling for a do-over, and planning is under way for the second annual festival. SURJUDPPLQJ :3, KDG WKH KRQRU RI EHLQJ WKH ƂUVW XQLYHUVLW\