The Fortress Initiative's
ROBOTHON 2018
York Exponential is hosting its first Robothon on April 7th - 8th, brought to you by The Fortress Initiative!
This event is completely free for all attendees, including meals!
What is Robothon?
Robothon is York Exponential’s 30-hour York City Hackathon, open to students and the surrounding community, inspired by and focused on the advancement and innovation of collaborative robots (robots that are designed to work alongside and augment humans, not replace them).
When and Where is Robothon?
April 7th-8th at 1270 Roosevelt Ave, York, PA
Robothon will take place from the morning of Saturday, April 7th to the evening of Sunday, April 8th. This is to help usher in National Robot Week which takes place the following week!
Why are we hosting Robothon?
Robothon’s intention is to introduce the average person to the capabilities of our robots. We will have our engineers on site at all times to introduce functionality and monitor safety, and during the event, attendees will hear from inspiring speakers and have the opportunity to participate in workshops as well as fun activities planned throughout.
What can I expect from Robothon?
Participants will be able to explore this ever-developing field however they'd like, including investigating back-end algorithms, designing and fabricating their cool robotic tool head designs, solving real-world applications using robots, and/or just starting a conversation about the ethical implications of robots being introduced into society. Robotic Engineers will be onsite at all times to explain and aide you in use of the robots (Yes, York Exponential will be supplying multiple robotic arms that are industry certified for you to play with). This is a great chance to interact with, control, and learn about robotic arms and some of their tools.
How do I win a prize?
Prizes are distributed based on hack category description and general wow factor! See the prize list here!
Day-Of Schedule
This is a tentative schedule and has the possibility to change, but nothing major (like the event dates or arrival time) will change drastically. Check back in for updates!
Saturday, April 7th
Arrive at York Exponential
7:00AM - 7:45AM
Check in at this time to get all the supplies you need for the event!
Breakfast
7:45AM - 8:30AM
Get a hot breakfast and some coffee to wake you up.
Opening Ceremonies
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Hear from significant people such as York Exponential's CEO John McElligott and the mayor of York, Michael Helfrich!
START HACKING!!!
9:30AM
You better get going on your hack, you have until 3:30PM tomorrow (30 hours)!
Introductory Workshop
9:30AM - 10:30AM
There will be two major parts to this - first will be an introduction to programming with the teach pendant (the basic commands, URCaps, etc.) and the more advanced programming (scripting directly to the robot in its language).
Lunch
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Yum.
ROS Workshop
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Come find out what ROS (Robot Operating System) is all about and figure out how you can use it to make the robots do some awesome stuff.
Lightning Talk
4:45PM - 5:00PM
Stay tuned ;)
Dinner
5:00PM - 6:00PM
Yum.
Fun Activity
8:30PM - 9:30PM
Stay tuned ;)
Sunday, April 8th
Machine Vision Workshop
12:00AM - 1:00AM
Come get an introduction to Machine Vision, including what it is, how it can be accomplished, and how you can use it in your project.
Morning Yoga
6:30AM - 7:30AM
Get your zen on with some much needed meditation.
Breakfast
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Yum.
Fun Activity
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Stay tuned ;)
Lightning Talk
11:00AM - 11:15AM
Stay tuned ;)
Lunch
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Yum.
Data Transformation Workshop
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Come get some ideas on beginner and more advanced data transformation solutions from a real-world, analog signal to use for your robotics.
STOP HACKING!!!
3:30PM
Put down your pencils!
Submit your hacks
3:30PM - 4:00PM
Submit your projects and make any last minute adjustments to your presentation (but NOT your hack).
Presentations
4:00PM - 5:45PM
Let's see 'em!
Distribute Awards and Closing Statements
5:45PM - 6:00PM
Get your bling and hit the road, thanks for coming!
Our Sponsors
This event wouldn't be possible without our sponsors, thank you everyone!