Girls designed the robots of the future
What will the robots of the future look like, and what will they be able to do? That was the challenge when Aker BP hosted a workshop during TENK Tech Camp at Vitenfabrikken in Sandnes.
TENK Tech Camp, held on August 6 and 7, is a free technology camp for girls aged 13 to 19. Through workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities, participants had the opportunity to explore technology alongside other girls and meet female role models from the tech industry.
Aker BP contributed with four workshops where the participants combined creative problem-solving, artificial intelligence, and practical building activities.
From Need to Prototype
The workshop followed a simple design process. First, the girls identified problems and needs that future robots could help solve. They then developed ideas, selected one solution, and described who the robot would help, what it would do, and how it would function.
With guidance from Aker BP mentors, the groups used Microsoft Copilot to visualize their ideas. They also learned how clear and precise instructions can lead to better results when working with artificial intelligence. Finally, they built a physical prototype of their robot using LEGO.
The exercise gave participants a taste of the methods and tools used in the workplace. At Aker BP, drones, underwater robots, and robotic solutions are already used for inspections and a variety of tasks both offshore and on the seabed.
More Perspectives Lead to Better Solutions
“Aker BP takes part because it is important to spark an interest in technology at an early age. Society is becoming increasingly dependent on technological solutions, and the people who develop them influence which needs are recognized and which solutions are chosen,” says Marit Blaasmo, Director of People & Safety at Aker BP.
“If we are going to solve tomorrow’s challenges, we need more perspectives around the table. That is why we must make technology relevant and accessible from an early age, and show girls that they belong in STEM fields and can help shape the solutions we need.”
Encouraging more girls to take an interest in technology is about both equality and access to critical skills, as well as our ability to develop strong solutions for the future. Through TENK Tech Camp, Aker BP aims to show that technology is about creativity, collaboration, curiosity, and the desire to solve problems.
Read more about TENK Tech Camp on their website: Om TENK Tech Camp — TENK