Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest state-supported institutions of higher education on the West Coast and is one of the preeminent research universities in the world. Learn more
At the University of Washington, we are committed to supporting our students' development: intellectually, physically and emotionally. Learn more about Student Life
Exceptional learning opportunities are around every corner. Our students have gone to the moon. Mapped the human genome. Broken the sound barrier. Created vaccines. Negotiated peace. What amazing things will UW grads do next? Read more
The University of Washington recruits the best, most diverse and innovative faculty and staff from around the world, encouraging a vibrant intellectual community for our students. We promote access to excellence and strive to inspire through education. Vision & Values
No matter where you are, Husky Happy Hours are a great way to plug into the University of Washington's strong network of alumni. Connect with UW grads in a casual setting and meet fellow alumni in your area. Details
Robot flash mob: Bots come out to dance, assist humanity on Red Square
By
Peter Kelley
UW News and Information
It’s a little-known secret on the UW campus that if you ask really nicely, robots may come out and dance in Red Square.
Such was the case Friday, Feb. 10, for an 11-year-old boy named Alex, who told the Make-a-Wish Foundation he’d like to see robots in action helping humanity and even bringing about world peace.
That was enough to get the UW community in action. Students quickly organized a way of giving Alex an afternoon to remember.
They choreographed a routine and passed it on through YouTube, so that by just after 2 p.m. Friday, after a quick rehearsal, they were ready to fill the square with dancing robots — and, well, robot allies, beeping, singing, and doing that angular dance we all know robots do.
Alex arrived on Red Square just after taking a tour, appropriately enough, of the UW BioRobotics lab.
It was a regular robot roundup. There were box-headed bots, blinky-eyed bots, building-like bots, tinfoil-bedecked bots, a big guy named Partybot, Star Wars imperial troops, a Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi and lots more. And everywhere, folks held signs that said “Alex rules!” and “Robots rule!” or “World peace!”
A robot roundup on Red Square.
Alex came and went in style. His ride was a sleek black stretch limo, trailed by UW Police cruisers beeping their horns importantly.
They curled around Red Square, beeped again, and drove off.
Minutes later, it was as if nothing had happened — which is how a good flash mob should work.
Still, it’s good to know that there are so many caring, compassionate and creative people, er, robots, on campus. Enough to make a wish come true — and then some.
Subscribe to News
