LONGMONT, Colo. –Robots Rising, a hands-on summer exhibition at the Longmont Museum designed for families, will open May 9 and run through January of 2016.  This exhibition includes fourteen interactive stations that allow visitors to control robots, see how different elements of robots work, and even create their own robot.  The goal of the exhibition is to provide innovative and exciting educational experiences for visitors, and engage them in a quickly developing field.

This exhibition is unprecedented in its collaboration with local resources.  Regional engineering and robotics professionals and firms played a key role in developing the different components of the exhibition.  Partners in the creation of Robots Rising include the Longmont firm Blue Point Engineering, the St. Vrain Valley School District’s Innovation Center, and Tinkermill, a makerspace in Longmont.  “By working with community partners the Longmont Museum has produced its most exciting interactive and technologically innovative exhibition,” stated Exhibition Curator Jared Thompson “Our partners have worked alongside staff for months to make this exhibition happen.”

Robots Rising is designed to provide hands-on opportunities to control real robots. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to drive a robot rover through a simulated disaster zone, looking for “hot spots” with the rover’s special camera. They will be able to operate a six foot tall animatronic robot figure that can move its arms and hands, nod its head, open and close its mouth, and move its eyes. A mechanical arm originally built for NASA will also be operable by visitors.

This exhibition will also explore the various sensors, motors, and mechanisms that are essential in modern robotics. Visitors will be able to operate the air cylinders and electric motors that make up a robot’s “muscles.” A special “Sensor Conductor Room” will allow visitors to control its lighting and sound effects through optical, vibration, and electromagnetic sensors like those used in robots. The “Botworks” machine selects the path a ball will take through a series of robotic sensors and actuators, playing music and lighting up lights along the way.

Some activities are just for fun, including a game to match famous TV and movie robots with the sounds they make. Plus, there will be a fun area for younger children that will include robot grippers and other activities designed with ages 2-6 in mind.

OPENING EVENTS
Opening Reception
Friday, May 8, 6 pm – 8 pm
All are welcome to an evening of light hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine to celebrate the opening of Robots Rising. Admission: $8, free for members of the Museum.

Family Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 1 pm – 3 pm
Enjoy activities in the exhibition, make crafts, enter a drawing to win fabulous prizes, and more!
Free admission

ROBOT FILM SERIES
$2.50 members and $5 general public
$1 off if you purchase a ticket for the film at the same time you buy admission for the Robots Rising exhibition

 

Evening Film Series:

Metropolis, Thursday July 23, 7:15pm

A 1927 film directed by Fritz Lang, Metropolis is a groundbreaking silent film, a vision of industry and technology set in 2026. Not rated

 

The Day the Earth Stood Still, Thursday July 30, 7:15pm

The alien Klaatu comes to Earth in this 1951 film, accompanied by the eight-foot tall robot, Gort, to deliver a message of peace. Not rated.

 

Blade Runner, Thursday August 6, 7:15pm

Harrison Ford stars in this dystopian vision of androids and corporate malfeasance, set in Los Angeles circa 2019. Rated R.

 

Robocop, Thursday August 13, 7:15pm

A cyborg cop fights crime and his own submerged memories in a future Detroit controlled by corporations and gangs. Rated R.

 

Youth/Family Film Series:

Short Circuit, Saturday July 18, 1:30pm

After being struck by lightning, military robot Number 5 develops a personality and a peace-loving streak. Rated PG

 

Robots, Saturday August 15, 1:30pm

In a robot world, a young idealistic inventor travels to the big city to join his inspiration’s company, only to find himself opposing its sinister new management. Rated PG

 

WALL-E, Saturday August 22, 1:30pm

Earth has been abandoned as a garbage dump, but one robot, WALL-E, works to clean it up. What happens when he meets EVA, a robot from a human colony in space?  Rated G

SUMMER CAMPS IN ROBOTICS

Modular Robotics Camp
July 13-17, 9 am – 1 pm
Campers will build robots in the first hour of camp! Learn why robots are made, how they are used, and how robots can teach us about engineering, computer science, problem solving, team work, and even art! Presented in partnership with Modular Robotics. For ages 10-14, $148, pre-registration required.

Level 1: LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Basics
July 20-24, 9 am – noon
Build and program a robot using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. Your robot will have touch, color, ultrasonic and gyro sensors and a programming control structure. For ages 9-14, $125, pre-registration required.

Level 1: LEGO Mindstorms NXT Basics
July 20-24, 1 pm – 4 pm
Use LEGO Mindstorms NXT kit to build and program a robot. Install touch, light, and ultrasonic sensors and a programming control structure. For ages 9-14, $125, pre-registration required.

Level 2: LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Core Models
July 27-31, 9 am – noon
Choose one or more LEGO Mindstorm EV3 models to build and explore using pre-written programs. Level 2 camps require the ability to work independently and tolerate frustration. Campers will build their confidence on the path to becoming independent learners. For ages 9-14, $125, pre-registration required.

Level 1: LEGO Mindstorms NXT From Dragsters to Tractor Pulls
July 27-31, 1 pm – 4 pm
Build a LEGO Mindstorm NXT Dragster from directions and perform time trials with a prewritten program. Continue to fine tune or create your own design from one NXT kit. For ages 9-14, $125, pre-registration required.

ABOUT THE LONGMONT MUSEUM

The Longmont Museum is a center for art and culture in northern Colorado. The Museum’s permanent exhibitions highlight the history of Longmont and the northern Colorado Front Range, and its special exhibitions range from major artists such as Ansel Adams, John J. Audubon, and Frederic Remington, to hands-on explorations of transportation, construction, and technology.

Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm.

Special Exhibition Admission:  $8 adults, $5 students/seniors (62+), free for ages 3 and under

Contact: (303)651-8374, museum@longmontcolorado.gov

Website: www.longmontcolorado.gov/museum

Press Contact: Erik Mason, erik.mason@longmontcolorado.gov

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