X10 WTI and Cybercamps launch campers to Mars
with interactive robotics demonstration

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What: Hands-on, interactive MARS Rover demonstration for campers ages 7 to16 enrolled in the robotics course at Cybercamps-Seattle. Kids will program miniature robotic rovers to climb over a simulated Mars landscape and learn how to mount wireless cameras on top of their robots. Seattle-based X10 Wireless Technology, Inc.(X10 WTI) has donated 50 cameras, together with additional hardware and software that will allow kids to view and store images captured from their MARS Rover camera on a PC. X10’s donation will also help fund Cybercamps scholarships, given to underprivileged and Special Olympics kids to attend camps held at some 20 college campuses throughout the U.S. A total of 6,000 kids are scheduled to attend the camps for the Summer 2000 sessions.

Demonstration: The miniature robot consists of a chip panel supported by a small metal cart with wheels and bumpers. The kids have learned how to control the robot remotely using a software program. The wireless camera with built-in transmitter is attached to a battery pack and mounted to the robot. Kids will learn how to transmit images from the camera to a PC screen, in this case depicted by a TV monitor. Using the X10 software, the campers will also learn how to perform certain functions such as posting images on their individual Cybercamps web sites.

Who:

Campers-Boys, girls, and teens ages 7 to16

Cybercamps- Founded in 1997, Cybercamps is a global leader in technology education for kids. Cybercamps provides safe, fun learning environments for kids through summer camps held at college and university campuses throughout the U.S. Cybercamps is the only technology education camp offering six progressive curriculums for all abilities including Cyber Basics, Programming, 3-D Animation, Multi-media, Web page design, and Robotics. Cybercamps is based in Kirkland, WA.

X10 WTI (www.x10.com/pressroom ), based in Seattle, develops proprietary hardware and software solutions that create a wireless home/SOHO network for automation, entertainment, security and data. Multiple technologies are utilized to create solutions that are scaleable and interoperable. X10’s vision is to create solutions in which all of the components can be controlled either locally or remotely using only a PC and the Internet.

Where: Loew Hall, University of Washington Campus

Directions and Parking instructions to be provided

When: Thursday, June 29, 2000 1:30 p.m.

• A press room with information, displays and refreshments will be available to the media beginning at 12:30 p.m.
• Interviews can be arranged and conducted anytime depending upon individuals’ availability

 

Visuals:

• Hands-on demonstration of MARS Rover robot with mounted wireless camera; kids viewing images captured from the camera on a TV monitor during class assembly
• Model robot with mounted camera
• Scholarship recipient using robot with camera
• Banners
• Additional courses being taught in other classrooms

Interviews:

• Scholarship Recipient
• Ben Babcock-Curriculum Specialist-Robotics MARS Rover application
• Jeff Denenholz- Director of PR, X10 Wireless Technology Inc.

 

X 10 WTI Fast Facts:

• Since its inception three years ago, X10 WTI, via X10.com has leveraged the power of the Internet to enable and deliver low-cost, do-it-yourself wireless home networking products and solutions directly to thousands and thousands of technology savvy consumers.

• X10’s vision is to create solutions in which multiple technologies can be controlled either locally or remotely using only a PC and the Internet.

• X10 products are scalable and interoperable, allowing consumers to enjoy the benefits of both traditional PC-based and future broadband enabled applications.

Cybercamps Fast Facts:

• Founded in 1997, Cybercamps offers innovative technology education designed to prepare kids for today’s scholastic environment and competitive work force.
• Cybercamps has a 6:1 camper to staff ratio and a 1:1 camper to computer ratio.
• The Cybercamps Foundation, a 501c 3 non-profit, provides scholarships for underprivileged youth to attend the camps.

Press Contacts:

Jeff Denenholz, Katie Wilkinson

X10 WTI Cybercamps

(206)241-3287 (206) 624-0388

jeff@x10.com katie@thesilvercompany.com

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