January 20 - May 21, 2006

Robotics is an exhibit that will take you back to the future of technology. The exhibit ROBOTICS is owned and designed by the CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER, Pittsburgh, and will feature over 18 participatory displays demonstrating key subjects relating to robots. Explore the science behind robots in an educational, entertaining, and informal hands-on setting.

This 2,500 square foot exhibit will introduce you to robotics and robotic functions such as thinking, sensing, acting, and other applications. You'll be challenged to tie your shoes like robots do and experience the difficulty for robots to perform this very simple human activity. On the flip side, you'll will then be challenged to race against a robot in the key sorting area.

Among the highlights, you will compare the relationship between robots and humans and take this practical knowledge to the “Children’s Zone” where you can build and program your own robot. You'll learn the basics of programming machines to do work for humans.

Other events will include demonstrations of robots by the Museum’s Science Alive students during the weekends. The students will bring out Mobot, a mobile robot programmed to follow lines on the floor, follow visitors and react and move towards noise.

Related programming includes a Robotics Lecture Series, Wednesdays, March 1, 8 and 15, 2006 at 7 p.m., Folk Art Robots - January 20 - March 31, 2006. Mark May of Reading, PA, Mindstorm Robolab - February 26, March 19 & May 14 - ages 11 - 14, and Jungle Bot Robot Workshop - April 2 - ages 10 & up. Admission charged, contact Lori for details and reservations 610.371.5850 x 229.

Admission to the Museum is: $7 adults (18-60), $5 children/seniors/students (w/ID), and free to members and children under four years old. The Reading Public Museum’s hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. Guest passes are not valid for this exhibition.

This exhibition is underwritten by East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., and grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.