SOMERSET NEWS: Robotics for fun at the Glass Box

TAUNTON Library’s Glass Box will be going robotic next week when it hosts its first of five Maker in Residence sessions on Wednesday (September 7, 2016).

The Glass Box, a community space for business start-ups, innovators and digital minds, is welcoming Maker in Residence, Paul Warren. He is technical director at WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, who has a background in electronics, software and innovation through technology.

The informal and friendly sessions will help people build and program robotics for fun.

People will learn how to connect sensors and motors to Raspberry Pi (microcomputers) to create little robots that will race against each other around a circuit. The workshops are suitable for children, young people and adults, novices and enthusiasts. Attendees are welcome to bring their own kit along if they wish.

The interactive sessions will run from 5-6pm every Wednesday and a drop-in surgery hosted by Paul Warren will run from 6-7pm. He will share his knowledge and enthusiasm to support others to build their digital making skills.

Paul Warren said: “The Glass Box is great! I am really excited to be working with the community to develop technology projects and help stimulate interest in digital technology.

“It’s fantastic to see how many people in Taunton already have exciting technology ideas. I think the Glass Box will help them realise their potential.”

Somerset County Council’s libraries spokesman, Cllr David Hall, said: “It is great to see the Glass Box continuing to bring together enthusiastic experts with the local community to inspire people to get hands on digital experience.

“I am delighted that representatives, such as Paul, from the business community are contributing their energy and knowledge to this project, which aims to build digital skills that are much needed in the workforce.”

Bookings for the Maker in Residence sessions can be made by visiting www.somersetlibraries.eventbrite.co.uk – people can come to one session or join in all five.

Anyone interested in being involved in The Glass Box network can email Tabitha Witherick at tkwitherick@somerset.gov.uk to find out more.

For the latest information on The Glass Box, visit www.somersetlibraries.co.uk or visit @GlassBoxTaunton on Twitter.

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