Robotics Team from Local New York City School to Showcase Robot Creations at the Sony Plaza Atrium on July 15

NEW YORK (July 9, 2015) – The Sony Wonder Technology Lab will host young innovators from the High School of Computers and Technology (HSCT) in the Bronx as they display and demonstrate their unique robotic creations to the public at the Sony Plaza Atrium, located at 550 Madison Avenue in New York City, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. The event is free and appropriate for all ages. No reservations are required.

One of the robots that will be showcased was entered by the HSCT team in the 15^th Annual FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Regional Competition, an exciting, worldwide competition that pairs professionals and young people together to solve an engineering design challenge in an intense and competitive way. This year’s challenge required teams to design robots with recycling capabilities. The competition took place from March 13-15 in the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, where HSCT placed fourth out of 66 robotics teams.

The HSCT team, also known as “Technobots,” is comprised of 10 students and is coached by Stan Bellis, the robotics teacher at the school. The team is sponsored by its long-time supporter Sony Corporation of America.

“The Sony Wonder Technology Lab provides a unique environment for visitors to explore both science and technology in an engaging, educational and fun environment, which is why we are honored, once again, to host these talented students,” said Karen Kelso, Executive Director of the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. “We are hoping that visitors will be inspired by the creativity, talent and ingenuity that fueled these robot creations, and that it will in turn spur others to explore and create using science and technology.”

Approximately 2,500 students, between the ages 14 to 18, participated in the competition in New York City where they competed for a chance to move on to the FIRST World Championship Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri.

About FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway™, to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, FIRST designs accessible innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

About the Sony Wonder Technology Lab

The Sony Wonder Technology Lab (SWTL) is a free, four-story, interactive technology and entertainment museum for all ages. Located in mid-town Manhattan, SWTL inspires creativity in a high-quality, engaging and family-friendly learning environment. By inviting visitors to experience the latest technologies in a hands-on setting, SWTL nurtures curiosity while awakening visitors to their own talent and potential. Through its permanent exhibits and innovative programs, including Sci-Tech workshops, ongoing screenings and associations with well-respected local non-profit and educational institutions, SWTL aims to educate and cultivate the next generation of leaders in media, science, technology and the arts. The Sony Wonder Technology Lab is open to the public Tuesdays-Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with the last museum entrance at 5:00 p.m. each day. For more information, visit www.sonywondertechlab.com.

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