HyperLabs at VCU

🔧 RVA Robots, Drones, Electronics, and AI: RVAMakerFest 2025 My son and I were amazed yesterday at this Richmond area tech festival hosted at Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, VA. I was over the top impressed with how the FIRST® Team 1086 Blue Cheese Robotics® students not only demonstrated their robots, but spoke with such energy and technical confidence as they explained how they build, test, and continually improve their designs. Their tables including a soldering demo to show a critical skill they develop. When I asked one group about using AI in their robotic camera system, they said, “Oh wait, let’s find our programmer for you.” Moments later, a high school student came running and spent ten minutes walking me through their AI hardware architecture, programming methods, and integration approach. It was fantastic. The Richmond Area Bot Instigated Destruction (@RapidRVA) team then showcased their “battle bots,” putting designs to the test, which was a huge hit with the kids. The Virginia Commonwealth University - College of Engineering College of Engineering team, led by Ravi Hadimani with students Kush Patel, Raymond Neralla, and others, gave kids hands-on control of their robots under close supervision. Their patience and encouragement were outstanding. Finally, the Richmond Amateur Telecommunications Society (RATS) demonstrated Morse code, live HF comms with someone in Germany, crystal AM radio set assembly, and local ham licensing opportunities. I even used my own active ham radio license to chat with my son on-site for a final full-circle moment. Overall, this was a fabulous, student-led technology event that showcased innovation, learning, and community spirit at its best. The technology and engineering leadership displayed by these students was exceptional.

🔧 RVA Robots, Drones, Electronics, and AI: RVAMakerFest 2025 My son and I were amazed yesterday at this Richmond area tech festival hosted at Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, VA. I was over the top impressed with how the FIRST® Team 1086 Blue Cheese Robotics® students not only demonstrated their robots, but spoke with such energy and technical confidence as they explained how they build, test, and continually improve their designs. Their tables including a soldering demo to show a critical skill they develop. When I asked one group about using AI in their robotic camera system, they said, “Oh wait, let’s find our programmer for you.” Moments later, a high school student came running and spent ten minutes walking me through their AI hardware architecture, programming methods, and integration approach. It was fantastic. The Richmond Area Bot Instigated Destruction (@RapidRVA) team then showcased their “battle bots,” putting designs to the test, which was a huge hit with the kids. The Virginia Commonwealth University - College of Engineering College of Engineering team, led by Ravi Hadimani with students Kush Patel, Raymond Neralla, and others, gave kids hands-on control of their robots under close supervision. Their patience and encouragement were outstanding. Finally, the Richmond Amateur Telecommunications Society (RATS) demonstrated Morse code, live HF comms with someone in Germany, crystal AM radio set assembly, and local ham licensing opportunities. I even used my own active ham radio license to chat with my son on-site for a final full-circle moment. Overall, this was a fabulous, student-led technology event that showcased innovation, learning, and community spirit at its best. The technology and engineering leadership displayed by these students was exceptional.

🔧 RVA Robots, Drones, Electronics, and AI: RVAMakerFest 2025 My son and I were amazed yesterday at this Richmond area tech festival hosted at Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, VA. I was over the top impressed with how the FIRST® Team 1086 Blue Cheese Robotics® students not only demonstrated their robots, but spoke with such energy and technical confidence as they explained how they build, test, and continually improve their designs. Their tables including a soldering demo to show a critical skill they develop. When I asked one group about using AI in their robotic camera system, they said, “Oh wait, let’s find our programmer for you.” Moments later, a high school student came running and spent ten minutes walking me through their AI hardware architecture, programming methods, and integration approach. It was fantastic. The Richmond Area Bot Instigated Destruction (@RapidRVA) team then showcased their “battle bots,” putting designs to the test, which was a huge hit with the kids. The Virginia Commonwealth University - College of Engineering College of Engineering team, led by Ravi Hadimani with students Kush Patel, Raymond Neralla, and others, gave kids hands-on control of their robots under close supervision. Their patience and encouragement were outstanding. Finally, the Richmond Amateur Telecommunications Society (RATS) demonstrated Morse code, live HF comms with someone in Germany, crystal AM radio set assembly, and local ham licensing opportunities. I even used my own active ham radio license to chat with my son on-site for a final full-circle moment. Overall, this was a fabulous, student-led technology event that showcased innovation, learning, and community spirit at its best. The technology and engineering leadership displayed by these students was exceptional.