Teens learn about robots at Cove library

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Teens did their best to direct their robots through a maze of their making on Wednesday afternoon at the Copperas Cove Public Library, then laughed as their ‘bots veered off course and they made the necessary adjustments to succeed the next time around.
Rick Martinez, a Development Manager for Barnes & Noble, headed a class on robots and drones for the Copperas Cove Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. 
Martinez talked to the teens about the ever-increasing importance of technology within our daily lives. 
“I’m just trying to expose these kids to the technology that’s out there,” said Martinez. “There’s technology in everything.”
These days, most jobs involve technology in one way or another, explained Martinez. Even restaurants like McDonald’s are replacing jobs for humans with machines. He stressed the importance of learning about and understanding technology.
“I just wanted to check it out,” said Henry Williams (14). “It’s pretty cool, pretty interesting.”
After the first portion of Martinez’s class, he allowed the kids to test out some of the robots that he brought to the class. He gave them yarn and some tape and had them create their own maze for the robots to navigate.
“They love it. They really do,” said Heather Lynch who brought her sons, James (15) and Jacob Lynch (11). “They specifically said they wanted to go for the robots and drones.”
Lynch said that she likes that the library does events for the teenagers as well as the younger children. 
“It’s very interesting,” said James Lynch. “It’s got me interested in robotics in general.”
The Summer Reading Program continues today with a class on fire safety presented by the Copperas Cove Fire Department, for ages 5-11 at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, teens can attend a dance party at 2 p.m. On Thursday, Dinosaur George will perform at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m.
All of the library’s Summer Reading Program events and activities are free and open to the public. However, capacity for the Thursday performances is limited and free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.