This summer, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) organized a technology camp for children in Hualien, in partnership with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the Hualien County Government, the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, and Tzu Chi University. The camp, titled 'AI Magic: Protecting Our Homes', was inspired by the April earthquake that affected Hualien and focused on how technology can enhance disaster prevention and detection. It provided a special opportunity for disadvantaged, indigenous, and new immigrant children to explore the wonders of technology. Participants visited ITRI's OMEGA ZONE, where they engaged with technological tools such as Gen AI image recognition and drones, and learned about how technology can assist in managing 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.
Following last year's success, ITRI and AIT renewed their collaboration to advance STEM education in eastern Taiwan with technology camps. This ongoing partnership aims to ignite children's enthusiasm for science and technology. Shu-Min Weng, Director of the Hualien County Government Department of Education, commended the volunteers for their efforts in leading children through hands-on activities and interactive experiences that showcased practical 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 included activities such as piloting AI-assisted drones, creating art through AI interactions, and designing pressure-resistant building or bridge structures. By engaging in tasks that combined interdisciplinary knowledge in AI, engineering, art, and mathematics, students were encouraged to apply their creativity and logical thinking to solve problems and gain inspiration for future technologies.
