INESC TEC took robotics and space exploration to the paediatric unit of IPO Porto

Once again, INESC TEC took science and technology to IPO Porto with the initiative Robótica Espacial: Somos todos Engenheiros!, providing children and adolescents a direct contact with the world of robotics and space exploration. 

Ana Pires and Diogo Paupério, INESC TEC researchers in the field of robotics and autonomous systems, promoted this session – supported by Marco, a robotic dog capable of jumping, balancing, doing handstands, dancing and following participants. Interaction with the robot sparked curiosity and enthusiasm among the younger members of the audience, turning the morning into an experience of discovery and fun. 

During the activity, the researchers explained, in an accessible and practical way, how these robotic systems work, how they are programmed and how they interact with the environment, enabling the children to understand scientific and technological concepts in a playful and engaging manner. 

In addition to robotics, researcher and astronaut Ana Pires shared her experience in extreme environments and in analog space missions. She presented suits and equipment used in said missions, scientific tools for studying rocks, monitoring devices and examples of food consumed in space, bringing the universe of space exploration closer to the everyday lives of children and young people. 

The activity took place in the day hospital of the paediatric unit at IPO Porto in November, but also extended to the inpatient ward, where the robot Marco visited the rooms, surprising and delighting young patients who were unable to attend the main session. 

As a symbolic gesture of closeness and continuity, INESC TEC also offered a small robot to the educational team at IPO Porto, allowing children to continue exploring basic robotics concepts even after the session. 

This was the fourth edition of the initiative Levar Ciência à Pediatria do IPO do Porto, reinforcing the partnership between INESC TEC and IPO Porto, as well as the commitment to promoting scientific and technological literacy among younger audiences – including in hospital settings -, thus contributing to moments of learning, motivation and well-being.