It All Began with Crêpes…
In 2006, the team from the CREATE Lab at Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute were enjoying a rare quiet moment, sharing crêpes at a local eatery. Over the course of the meal, the idea of having a city-wide robotics celebration was conceived, and when the 250th anniversary of Pittsburgh came to light, the die was cast.
What is now known as Robot 250 became a massive city-wide community art and technology program culminating in a two-week festival this July with exhibits, workshops, outdoor displays, movies and other installations throughout the Pittsburgh area. It was launched by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh with program support from a host of local community groups and financial support from local foundations.
The mission of Robot 250 is to foster creativity, build a sense of community and raise the technical literacy of our entire region, while coinciding with the city of Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary celebration. Participants include middle school students, artists, families and the general public, as well as Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech and University of Pittsburgh faculty, staff and students, who are gathering to build customized robots using cutting-edge technology and educational materials developed at the Robotics Institute.
Advisory Board
- Ron Baillie, Carnegie Science Center
- Gerry Balbier, Apangea Learning
- Kevin Crowley, UPCLOSE
- Pam Golden, Allegheny Conference & Pittsburgh 250
- Marguerite Marks, Pittsburgh Roars
- Matt Mason, Robotics Institute
- Tim McNulty, Carnegie Mellon University
- Barry Nathan, Catalyst Connection
- Dave Richardson, FIRST
- Doug Shields, Pittsburgh City Council
- Connie Sukernek, Consultant
- Kate Trimble, Lawrenceville Corporation Executive Director
- Suzanne Walsh, Heinz Endowments
- Jane Werner, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh