On the 9th June, 2022, ScienceNews reported that ‘researchers at the University of Tokyo have built a robotic finger that, much like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s titular cyborg assassin, is covered in living human skin. The goal is to someday build robots that look like real people — albeit for more altruistic applications’.

A robotic finger was unheard of decades ago, but today anything is possible!

Empowering rangatahi to see beyond the limitation of their experience into a world of exciting new possibilities was the kaupapa of PTC’s robotic initiative in Putaruru.

Stirring up imagination takes place bit by bit. One step at a time. One lesson at a time.

The buzz of excitement in the school hall spoke for itself as Year 10 students at Putaruru College put their heads, hearts and hands to the challenge of building a prototype robot capable of lifting objects and writing on paper.

Our Waikato University team worked to extend the minds of youth to think, explore, discover, develop and build. Collaboratively they created a functional robot able to perform a range of activities. Great work, awesome team!!