Released: August 30, 2001

At the Kansas State Fair: Robot Mimics Cockroach

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A Mitchell County 4-Her, Gregory Jordan, has earned the right to enter an unusual 4-H project in the Kansas State Fair this year. The talented 4-Her created a robot that mimics a cockroach, reported Aliesa Woods, Kansas State University Research and Extension agent in the Post Rock District.

Building the unusual robot intrigued Jordan, who combined two ‘CyBug’ project kits to complete his creative – and award winning – science project.

"The BEAM (which stands for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics and Mechanics) robot is hard-wired," said Jordan, who explained that hard-wiring means that the robot’s intelligence (movements, actions and reactions) result from its construction rather than software.

When fully charged, the robot hides; as the charge runs down, the robot seeks light. The 4-Her said that he usually can tell where the buglike robot is: "It makes a noise as it heads for the recharging station."

Jordan, who is a two-year member of the Asherville Achievers 4-H Club, enrolled in the youth development program because of the opportunity to choose from a variety of projects and work at his own pace. He particularly likes interactive projects that allow him to explore new concepts – he’s considering a career in engineering or electronics.

Jordan, who is a second-generation 4-Her, is the son of Michael and Joyce Jordan. His electric cockroach, which earned top honors at the Mitchell County Fair, will be displayed in the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Kansas State Fair, Sept. 7-16. The building, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the fair, is located at the north end of the fairgrounds.

For more information on educational 4-H projects, check at the gazebo in the 4-H Exhibit Building at the fair, or stop by the local K-State Research and Extension office.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News