Parents, teachers, school counsellors: do you know a kid who is crazy about the giant animated robots at theme parks? Or who is fascinated by cyborgs and human-like robots?
Studying robotics can lead to a career in many areas, including but not limited to animatronics, engineering, design, game design, medicine and education. Sculpture, animation, cognitive science, material science, computer science, AI and programming are just some of the fields which intersect with robotics.
David Hanson, CEO of Hanson Robotics, is one of the world’s leading experts in social robotics. (Watch Sophia, his most famous robot, sing a duet with Jimmy Fallon on ‘The Tonight Show’. Fastforward to 6:55.)
A self-described dreamer, he studied a combination of arts, science and technology in high school, university and design school before joining Disney as a sculptor and working with some of the top AI and robotics experts in the world.
His advice to parents, teachers and school guidance counsellors:
- help kids identify and gain critical skills through extracurricular activities
- help kids create personalized study paths in school focused on combining the arts, math, science and technology
Watch the full interview here (30 minutes).
About PreparationTech
PreparationTech is a series of online video interviews which educates parents, teachers and school counsellors about the study/training paths and career opportunities which are available when kids learn computer science and programming and how to think critically about the implications and ethics of technology.
Hosted by Deborah Carter, NewTechKids’ Founder and MD, inspiring technologists and professionals whose work intersects with technology share their personal stories: childhood, hobbies, school activities, higher education, and career paths. They also provide insights and advice on how to prepare kids to thrive in a world of rapid and constant technological development.
Photo credit: Sazzad Hossain