HSINCHU, Sept. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Industrial Technology
Research Institute (ITRI) hosted a technology camp for children in
Hualien this summer, in collaboration with the American Institute
in Taiwan (AIT), the Hualien
County Government, the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, and Tzu Chi
University. Themed "AI Magic: Protecting Our Homes," the
event reflected on the earthquake that struck Hualien in April
and emphasized the importance of technology in disaster prevention
and detection. It offered a unique experience for disadvantaged,
indigenous, and new immigrant children to discover the wonders of
technology. Participants visited ITRI's OMEGA ZONE to engage with technological
applications such as Gen AI image recognition and drones, and to
learn how technology can aid in responding to natural disasters
like earthquakes.
This is the 13th consecutive year that ITRI has hosted the
technology camp for children. The camp aims to translate innovative
technologies into accessible learning materials and inspire young
minds through fun activities. Ta-An
Ho, ITRI Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, and
Public Welfare Committee Chairman, emphasized ITRI's ongoing
commitment to popular science education for underprivileged
children. "In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education,
ITRI ensures that children from disadvantaged groups have equal
access to technology knowledge and skills," she said.
Building on last year's success, ITRI and AIT once again
collaborated to bring STEM education to eastern Taiwan through technology camps. This
partnership seeks to spark children's interest in science and
technology. Shu-Min Weng, Director
of the Hualien County Government Department of Education, praised
the volunteers for guiding children through hands-on activities and
interactive experiences that demonstrated real-life applications of
their knowledge.
The Tzu Chi Foundation, known for its educational initiatives in
rural areas, has helped students in Hualien and Taitung broaden
their horizons. Ingrid Y. Liu,
President of Tzu Chi University, stated that the university will
collaborate with ITRI in the future to train local teachers and
volunteers, enhancing their teaching capabilities.
This year's camp program featured activities such as flying
AI-assisted drones, creating artworks through AI interactions, and
designing pressure-resistant building or bridge structures. Through
the tasks integrating interdisciplinary knowledge in AI,
engineering, art, and mathematics, students were encouraged to use
creativity and logical thinking to solve problems and find
inspiration about future technology.
About ITRI
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the
world's leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate
a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a
vital role in transforming Taiwan's industries from labor-intensive into
innovation-driven. To address market needs and global trends, it
has launched its 2030 Technology Strategy & Roadmap and focuses
on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, and
Sustainable Environment. It also strives to strengthen
Intelligentization Enabling Technology to support diversified
applications.
Over the years, ITRI has been dedicated to incubating startups
and spinoffs, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In
addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S.,
Europe, and Japan in an effort to extend its R&D scope
and promote international cooperation across the globe. For more
information, please visit https://www.itri.org/eng.
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SOURCE Industrial Technology Research Institute