Video: Meet The Robots At The MSI That Can See, Drive and Jam

By Marielle Shaw in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 13, 2015 2:27PM

Photo by Marielle Shaw / Chicagoist

When we heard there'd be a Robot Block Party at the Museum of Science and Industry celebrating their Robot Revolution exhibit, we knew we needed to check it out for ourselves.

We had a great time exploring Robot Revolution when it made its debut in May. Robot Revolution is a well-organized, interactive exhibit which shows the cutting edge of robotic technology. The robots at the Museum of Science and Industry don't just beep, bloop and serve drinks mindlessly. They can see, appear to emote, sort items, and even drive a car more safely than most humans.

So what happens at a robot block party? As with other types of block parties, you meet your neighbors. For the Museum of Science and Industry, this meant student robotics teams were on hand to show off some of their finest work, including an athletic ball launcher robot, zooming all terrain vehicles, and glowing spherical bots controlled by iPads.

Booths with live science activities were available for kids, including those which had participants design their own robots, make gripper arms, and for fun, make antennae out of colorful metallic pipe cleaners. Attendees also got a chance to jam with a real robot band.

Chicago based dance group Culture Shock was on hand to show off some of their best moves and help the crowd learn to do "the robot."

Robot Revolution will be in Chicago until Jan. 3. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum and are at an additional charge from standard admission, but can be purchased as a package with the museum's other experiences.