January 6-12, 2005

mixpicks

Robot Wars

Lego my ego

As anyone who was ever 14 knows, teenagers are ruthless. So this weekend, when more than 700 kids get together to build their own mobile and remote-controlled robots, I'll consider their efforts not childish but the cutting edge of take-no-prisoners competitive (mini)warfare. The project is spearheaded by PACTS (Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science), a program by the Franklin Institute that promotes youth leadership. But there'll be more than altruistic do-gooding when the robots, built with LEGOs and designed to assist disabled people in everyday tasks, face off against each other: They will take on a "No Limits" course and can only win with a mix of ingenuity and robust design. (Last year's teams built machines to move tiny rocks and debris, demolish a wee bridge and move miniature buildings.)

If you're there to watch, you can also take in the tech fair that will dominate the institute. There, the fine art of robot design will be displayed by Rom, a "living robot," and explored by hobby clubs, area universities and the Philadelphia bomb squad (who use remote technology in situations where a human being needn't be placed in danger). They should send them to high school.

LEGO Robotics Competition, Sat., Jan. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. tech fair, noon-4 p.m. competition judging, free with regular admission of $10-$12.75, Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., 215-448-1318.

—Juliet Fletcher