1️⃣ What inspired you to start RoboBoston?
We receive SO many inquiries from students, educators, families and more about visiting our space to learn about and see robots in action. The Robot Block Party is a way to have an open celebration for all to attend, and for robotics companies to showcase all types of technologies and robots. Through the years the Robot Block Party has expanded to add adjacent events, including a STEM field trip day, Career Fair, and VIP robotics ecosystem networking reception and together the 2 days have come to be known as RoboBoston. The Robot Block Party event is free and open to the public.
2️⃣ Can you give us a bit of history on the event?
The first two Robot Block Parties were held at Boston City Plaza as part of HUBWeek in 2017 & 2018. It was a great central location that drew many visitors. In 2019 the Robot Block Party was held in the Design Center Parking area and helped to kick-off the State of Massachusetts STEM Week and began with a ribbon cutting by the Secretary of Education. The past two years (2021 & 2022) we’ve teamed with WS Development to host the Robot Block Party in the downtown area of Boston’s Seaport, near District Hall. This year we’ll do the same for our 2023 6th annual Robot Block Party.
3️⃣ Every year it is different. What is new this year?
Each year we’ve made additions to the Block Party. A few years ago we added a career fair the day before and a VIP Robotics Ecosystem reception to kick-off the weekend and the group of events became a celebration to become known as RoboBoston. Last year (2022) we added a STEM Field trip day for local middle and high school students to experience robotics workshops and sessions the day prior to the public event. This year, we’re adding a robot sidewalk parade and ribbon cutting to open the event. New robots and demonstrations to look forward to seeing this year include underwater robots in a tank, a robot hand performing American Sign Language, a drone obstacle course and more.
4️⃣ Can you give us a rundown of the agenda for this year’s event?
A Robot Sidewalk Parade will begin at 10:45 at Courthouse Square (near Kings and Scorpion Bar) between Seaport Blvd and Northern Ave. The parade will proceed on the sidewalk from Courthouse Square, down Seaport Blvd to the 88 Seaport Blvd Lot where the Block Party will be held.
5️⃣ How can I get involved?
Come join us for demos and hands-on experiences with robots and bring the whole family!! If you are interested in volunteering during set up, please contact info@massrobotics.org. This involves physically carrying items from vehicles to booth areas from about 8:00 am to 10:00am and again at the close of the event at 4:00pm.
Learn more >> https://www.massrobotics.org/roboboston/
When | Saturday, Sept 30 at 11am – 4pm
Where | 88 Seaport Blvd, Boston