Mechanical Mules Take Robots On Tour

Malverne High School's award-winning robotics team has been taking their show on the road for a series of demonstrations at area schools, libraries and senior centers.

The Mechanical Mules first stop during their Robotics Month Tour was Maurice W. Downing Primary School, where team members donned lab coats and superhero capes to introduce the younger students to the wonders of engineering. The team began by explaining how the mechanical, programming, carpentry, design and electronics teams joined forces to create their remote-controlled robot. Then, to the delight of the second graders in the audience, they put the robot through his paces, lifting a swim ring, then placing it neatly on a peg.

During Robotics Month, the team plans to perform demonstrations at the Davison Avenue Intermediate School, the Malverne Public Library and Atria Senior Living in Lynbrook. The purpose of the tour is to promote community interest in robotics and engineering. The team won the 2011 Regional Engineering Inspiration Award at the LI FIRST Regional Robotics Competition for their outreach efforts.