Huskie Robotics Team bringing 100-pound robot Clementine to demo at the Nichols Library Aug. 24

Kids and their families who are interested in STEM-related activities are invited to a Huskie Robotics Team Demo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville.

Attendees will be able to meet Clementine - a 100-pound robot that can do push-ups - drive smaller robots and meet and greet with the members of the Huskie Robotics Team.

Formed in 2007, the Huskie Robotics is a FIRST Robotics Competition team based out of Naperville North High School.

The group has grown to include 100-plus student members, 20 mentors, and 10 sponsors.

Jasmine Zhang, who serves as outreach lead and programmer for Huskie Robotics, believes that robotics serves as a vehicle for students to learn important life skills.

"It places students under strict deadlines, forcing students to come together, building communication and leadership skills," she said. "Robotics students learn and compete like crazy, but they also learn to treat one another with respect and kindness in the process."

Defenestration and Deviation, two FTC teams featuring District 203 and 204 middle schoolers and high school students, also will be at the Demo with smaller, 18- by 18- by 18-inch robots that can be driven around. For the younger kids, FIRST Lego League kits will be brought for a more interactive experience.

"It's a great opportunity to talk to the Huskie Robotics team and other students about what they can expect building robots, going to competitions and what they have learned through their experience," said Nichols Library Manager Yan Xu.

Huskie Robotics also plans to bring a red chair as part of the National Center for Women and Informational Technology's "Sit with Me" campaign.

The team believes in giving people from all backgrounds and experiences the opportunity to work together to create something greater than any one person. A simple red chair will be placed on the floor and Huskie Robotics asks everyone to sit down to share their stories and experiences, listen to others, have a conversation, change the world, and, most importantly, sit down to stand up for something they believe in.

Xu believes the Huskie Robotics Demo is the perfect opportunity to introduce kids and their families to robotics activities and competitions, several which are already available in Naperville schools and the community.

"We see this as a great way to showcase the achievements of the students in our community and to inspire more students in the STEM field," she said.

For more information on the Huskie Robotics Team, visit team3061.org.