Maori and Pasifika students from Hamilton boys High experienced their first mechatronics workshop at Waikato University today. The robotics session had the boys building, competing and being challenged to find innovative ways to solve solutions through the use of robotics.

The Ministry of Health identified in their document Emerging Health technology advice in July 2019 the ways in which robotic technology can be implemented in healthcare system today. The progressive advancement of things like nanotechnology means that the opportunity for youth to learn and get involved in robotics is more important than it has ever been.

Within the health care system, robotics can be used for a number of different means. These include:

• Surgical robots – allows surgical operations to be carried out with greater precision than an unaided human surgeon

• Telepresence robots – allow off-site medical professionals to move, look around, communicate and participate from remote locations.

• Disinfection robot – has the capacity to disinfect a whole room in minutes.

• Companion robot – also known as ‘carebots’ have the capability to engage emotionally with patients.

• Assistive robots – used as tools for rehabilitation, training, therapy or mobility –

The list and possibilities goes on and on. Now more than ever youth have the opportunity to learn new and emerging technologies that hold tremendous benefit for our future. The time to get involved is now.

Students were inspired by Samoan mentor, Max as well as by Rewa, the Student Success coordinator to seize opportunities before them and to give things a go. The day ended with a resounding haka, launching the beginning of a new journey ahead.