Free workshop in Dubai to help your kids build robots

dubai — A new initiative will see children from across Dubai build their own robot and an artificially intelligent (AI) cartoon character. The robot and AI workshops will be held during the Rise Dubai Creek Harbour, a seasonal family event on February 23 and 24.

Children will be given a do it yourself (DIY) robotic kit that will help them create working robots from almost anything. Children attending the sessions will be encouraged to build their own robots by recycling items around them. In addition, they will get the opportunity to build a cartoon character based on an AI personal voice assistant. The children can programme the character and then interact with it.

The initiative is part of the public events rolled out by the Ministry of Finance to mark February as the Innovation Month.

The initiative aims to engage children through analytical thinking, problem solving, prototyping, lateral thinking and building — all of which are key components in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, a key focus area for the UAE government.

“This initiative at Rise Dubai Creek Harbour is open to all children who wish to experience the future of what is to come in the world of technology, and hope to inspire creativity and pioneering thinking,” said Younis Haji Al Khoori, undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance.

“We believe that inspiring the next generation will accelerate the UAE’s innovation story and, as a result, strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation. By enhancing the development of innovative ideas and capabilities, we will be able to create a widespread culture of innovation from grassroots level and up.”

This initiative is open to all children who wish to experience future of what is to come in the world of technology.” Younis Haji Al Khoori, undersecretary, Ministry of Finance