Commissioners learn about VEX Robotics system from Hunterdon Central High School students

FLEMINGTON, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl along with Commissioners Shaun C. Van Doren and Zach Rich recently visited the Hunterdon County Main Branch Library to attend the “Introduction to Robotics”, an education program offered to young residents interested in learning about VEX Robotics systems.

This unique advanced opportunity was free to attend, and was held on a Thursday and Friday, during the second and third week of July, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“I really enjoyed meeting with students to learn more about the robotic systems they were able to design during this workshop. This program provided an engaging hands-on approach for students to explore and learn, all while developing leadership, teamwork, and project management skills,” Kuhl said.

Ten participants joined the Hunterdon County Library Makerspace staff and members of the Hunterdon Central Regional High School (HCRHS) Daleks Robotics Team for the robotics workshop that was themed, “Search and Rescue”; a subject-based on simulating the challenge of saving animals lost in an earthquake.

Participants built a VEX robot and coded it to autonomously pick up blocks, representing saved animals, and return them to a specific destination on the game field. Daleks Team members assisted younger participants in improving their robot’s movements and coding for faster rescues, allowing more animals to be saved.

“As someone with a manufacturing background, I recognize the increasing influence of robotics in our community and their potential to revolutionize our daily lives and industries. I am glad to see opportunities like this being offered to students to gain practical knowledge and experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting,” Kuhl said.