Robotics Pioneer to Speak at Hatboro-Horsham High School

Robotics pioneer Dr. Woodie Flowers will participate in a public event next month in Horsham.

Flowers, who is the Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will speak at Hatboro-Horsham High School on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults; students are free. Earlier that day, Dr. Flowers will be working with Keith Valley Middle School and Hatboro-Horsham High School students and teachers. The event is hosted by Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation.

In 1989, inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Dr. Flowers, who serves as the organization’s national advisor, co-founded the annual FIRST Robotics challenges, in which Hatboro-Horsham students participate and host competition events, according to information from

“In today’s social environment, FIRST has a chance to re-define the larger economic and moral playing field,” Flowers said. “Our students can be their own economic stimulus packages by leveraging their skills into self-sustaining careers and help with the issues we face in the 21st century.” FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering and math.

“We are extremely enthusiastic about bringing Dr. Flowers to our community,” said Nancy DeLucia, Executive Director, Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation. “Keeping in step with our mission to provide inspiring programs to enhance the educational experience of all students, Dr. Flowers will share his enthusiasm for strong STEM programs as well as for innovative curriculum that prepares our students to do things that machines cannot yet do.”

For more information on Dr. Flowers’ presentation or to purchase tickets, click here.