Bandar Seri Begawan - With the aim of raising awareness of Science and Technology, Robotics and ICT in Brunei Darussalam, Pentagram Design Sdn Bhd, has invited an expert in Robotics from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California to present a talk on the Human-RObotic Exploration of Mars, Curiosity Rover, Phoenix Mars Lander and Mars Exploration Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity).

Pentagram Design was appointed by TAIB Bank to handle the road show at the Airport Mall, Berakas, from January 3 to 6.

Dr Ashitey Trebi-011ennu, Group Leader, Mobility and Manipulation Group, Mobility and Robotic Systems Section at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, will provide an up-to-date summary of the missions of Curiosity Rover, Spirit and Opportunity Rovers and the Phoenix Mars Lander from their initial conception (systems development life cycle) through their development, launch, landing, and operations on the surface of Mars.

The talk will also present what they have learnt, and then look ahead at the missions planned, technologies needed and further science clues sought through either robotics or human exploration.

Dr Trebi-011ennu will also highlight the similarities between the Mars mission system's development life cycle and World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) challenges robot design development life cycle.

The presenter will also demonstrate how participating in WRO fosters creativity, critical thinking, innovation, career-moulding experience, and practical application of classroom curriculum (STEM).

In addition, students can learn skills that aid in future job placement.

The public talk will be held on January 6, 2013 at the Airport Mall, Berakas from 9am to 12 noon by Dr Trebi-011ennu, followed by an interactive session with the public from 2pm to 4pm on the same day.

According to a representative from Pentagram Design, an exclusive session will be held today from 9am to 11am, which will see representatives from the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam as well as the private sector taking the opportunity to find out more about the benefits and advantages that can be gained by participants (mainly students) from being involved in the World and Brunei Robotics Olympiads.

The road show will showcase TAIB Bank's products, including Pentagram Design Sdn Bhd as the sole agent of "LEGO Education Products" in Brunei Darussalam to showcase educational programmes such as robotics programme using "LEGO Mindstorms Education".

Pentagram Design is also supporting STEP Centre, Ministry of Education for their upcoming event in Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) 2013 soon.

Members of the public can drop by the Airport Mall to view the "LEGO Mindstorms Education" Robotics demonstration, handled by Sasbadi Sdn Bhd from Malaysia throughout the duration of the roadshow, from 9am to 5pm.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin