Marion Carnegie Library presented “Robots” on August 5.  The program included several different types of robots and a remote-controlled hovercraft.  The robots included a “bug,” which has six legs; a biped, which walks on two legs; and one on a track, which rolls along like a bulldozer.  Robot movement was explained, such as the limits of a robot ankle, which can only move in two directions, unlike a human ankle.  The audience was also given the opportunity to try their hand at building a robot.  They also learned how to give commands to a robot via a computer.

 The program featured demonstrations and discussion by Dave Allabastro, electronics engineering assistant; David Williams, visiting instructor; and Bryan Snow, Information Technology graduate student and Hoverclub president, all from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. 
 

Allabastro also provides technical support for the SIU Hoverclub, which is a hovercraft build and design team.  Students design the craft, calculate measurements and produce parts when needed.