Meet iZak: Bringing Humanoid Robotics to Local Students
The newest member of the iCode Greater Crofton / Gambrills team may be our most technologically advanced (and least coordinated).
Meet iZak, our fully programmable Unitree R1 EDU Smart humanoid robot. Since arriving at iCode, he has already waved to visitors, danced, practiced martial arts, attempted to sit in a chair, and learned firsthand that gravity remains undefeated. Behind the entertaining videos and occasional robot mishaps, however, is a serious educational investment in our community’s future.
Humanoid robotics represents an exciting intersection of programming, artificial intelligence, engineering and human-centered design. Unlike a traditional classroom robot, iZak can walk, balance, respond to commands and perform complex movements. More importantly, students can work with the technology behind those capabilities.
That opportunity is at the heart of iCode’s new Youth Innovation Program.
Designed for motivated high school students with a foundation in Python, the program provides hands-on experience with advanced technology and real-world project development. Students work in small teams to identify a challenge, develop a solution, program and test their ideas, refine their work and present the finished project.
Participants build practical experience in:
- Python programming and robotics
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Engineering design and problem-solving
- Product and project development
- Teamwork and professional communication
- Testing, troubleshooting and technical documentation
- Presenting ideas and demonstrating completed work
The goal is not simply to teach students how to make a robot perform a predetermined task. It is to give them the opportunity to think like innovators: deciding what they want technology to accomplish, determining how to make it happen and learning from the inevitable failures along the way.
Students complete the program with a portfolio-ready project and a meaningful experience they can discuss in college applications, scholarship essays, interviews and future internship opportunities. They also gain something that can be difficult to develop in a traditional classroom… the confidence that comes from working with sophisticated technology and creating something of their own.
For iCode owner Rebecca Murphy, bringing iZak to Gambrills is also about expanding what is available to local students.
“Not every child finds their place on a field or a court,” Murphy said. “Some students come alive when they are designing, building, coding or solving a problem. They deserve opportunities that are every bit as challenging, collaborative and exciting.”
iZak will also serve as a community ambassador for STEM education. Local residents may see him at school events, community programs and participating businesses as part of the iCode Robot Road Show. His appearances give families a memorable introduction to robotics while showing students that advanced technology is not something that exists only at universities or major research labs. It is available right here in our community.
The Youth Innovation Program is application-based, and students should have at least a basic understanding of Python, including variables, conditionals, loops and functions. Students who are not yet ready can build the necessary foundation through iCode’s coding, robotics and engineering programs.
iZak may still be learning how to navigate the world (and occasionally the furniture) but he is already helping local students imagine how they might shape the future.
To learn more about the Youth Innovation Program, upcoming programs or opportunities to meet iZak, visit https://icodeschool.com/gambrills-md/.
