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Now Available: Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Kit – Beta, the Premier Introduction to Robotics and STEM

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XRP is a comprehensive, open-robotics platform designed to be accessible for everyone; it comprises a coding environment, hardware kit, and engaging online modules 

BOULDER, Colo., July 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A consortium of leading educators and technology companies have announced the release of the XRP Kit – Beta, an entry-level open-source robotics ecosystem intended to expand global participation in robotics, inspire future engineers, and serve as a springboard for STEM education for grades 8-12, electronics beginners, and robotics enthusiasts of any age. As of today, anyone can preorder the XRP Kit through SparkFun® or DigiKe.

 

Based on three years of pilots, the platform includes everything needed to build and program a robot to perform beginning through advanced tasks progressing from fundamental robotics to driving, line following, using sensors, using a robotic arm, and integrating robotic autonomy. The platform comprises:

Easy-to-assemble hardware kit (no tools or soldering) includes the XRP Controller Board from SparkFun, an ultrasonic rangefinder, line follower, two motors with encoders, servo motor, Qwiic® cables, chassis, two wheels, two casters, and battery holderXRP Controller board includes an on-board Raspberry Pi® Pico W featuring the RP2040® microcontroller, low-power accelerometer + gyroscope 6-DoF IMU from STMicroelectronics®, Qwiic connector for easy sensor integration, two dual-channel motor drivers, two servo headers, a momentary button switch, and moreEngaging online instructional modules developed by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute ® (WPI) through its OpenSTEM platform, tested with hundreds of usersCoding environment includes Blockly tools/libraries, Python, and the FIRST® Robotics coding development tool, WPILib; the board is also Arduino ® compatible 

The XRP is supported by a consortium, including founding visionaries DEKA  and WPI, as well as SparkFun, Raspberry Pi Ltd., STMicroelectronics, DigiKey, and Dagurobot. This group has ensured a pricing structure that offers educators a 43% discount to significantly increase accessibility. 

“The solutions to our most intractable problems are not coming through incremental improvements of existing technologies, but from new discoveries made by our kids. But without deep intuition for the first principles of science and technology – there will be no discoveries. What are we doing to cultivate this intuition? When you give kids apps and they stare at a screen – they are experiencing a level of abstraction that makes understanding impossible. It might as well be magic. They need to go deeper, and the XRP is a way to bring this experience to every student in the world,” said Dean Kamen, Founder, FIRST and DEKA.

“The XRP has the power to expand access to STEM education opportunities across the globe and make sure diverse populations of teachers and students are included,” said Grace J. Wang, PhD, President of WPI.  “This hands-on platform, combined with the WPI OpenSTEM curriculum, educational resources, and online community support, will help educators inspire future innovators and technology leaders.”

“It is vital for the future of the technology industry that young people have opportunities to develop their enthusiasm for computer programming and electronics, ahead of their entry into the workforce. XRP, powered by Raspberry Pi silicon, will bring these opportunities to many more young people around the world,” said Eben Upton, CEO Raspberry Pi.

“At FIRST, we provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world. We believe the XRP serves as an excellent bridge to our programs and have not only helped pilot the technology, but also have plans to provide it to rookie teams  as a jumping off point for building and programming their robots,” said Chris Rake, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at FIRST. 

In addition to the FIRST Rookie kits, early adoption of XRP include kits for every middle/high school classroom in New Hampshire; pilots in Engineering for Us All (e4usa) sites; and support through the National Science Foundation (NSF).

About Contributing Partners: 

DEKA Research and DevelopmentWorcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) WPI OpenSTEM SparkFun Electronics Raspberry Pi LtdSTMicroelectronics DigiKey Dagu Robotics 

Related Links:
https://experientialrobotics.org/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/now-available-experiential-robotics-platform-xrp-kit—beta-the-premier-introduction-to-robotics-and-stem-301871129.html

SOURCE SparkFun Electronics

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Urgent Call: Donate Electronics to Empower Charities Nationwide

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TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2024 /CNW/ – This holiday season, the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is spreading the spirit of giving with its annual 12 Days of Electronic Giving campaign. Aiming to donate over 200 electronic devices to charities across Canada, ERA is committed to empowering organizations to deliver critical services to their communities.

However, the demand for electronics remains pressing. More than 500 charities are still on ERA’s waitlist—a number that highlights the urgent need for public and corporate donations of pre-loved technology.

“Together, We Can Create Impact”
Bojan Paduh, Founder and President of ERA, urges individuals and businesses to step up this holiday season:

“We’ve accomplished so much, but hundreds of charities are still waiting for essential technology to continue their work. I encourage everyone to consider donating their unused laptops, tablets, or cell phones. Your generosity can transform lives and reduce e-waste at the same time.”

ERA’s 12 Days of Electronic Giving campaign is already making an impact, supporting a wide range of organizations across the country, including:

Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton – Edmonton, ABWinnipeg Humane Society – Winnipeg, MBBent Arrow Traditional Healing Society – Edmonton, ABCanadian Mental Health Association – Toronto, ONYork Region Educational Services – Toronto, ONIt Takes a Village Community Outreach and Advocacy – Halifax, NSToronto Fringe – Toronto, ONMarina Housing Co-op – Vancouver, BCAgape Table Inc. – Winnipeg, MBGreater Edmonton Live-In Society – Edmonton, ABEqual Housing Initiative Inc. – Winnipeg, MBValley Community Learning Association – Kentville, NSAlberta Children’s Hospital – Calgary, AB

How You Can Help
The holidays are the perfect time to give back. If you or your organization have unused electronic devices gathering dust, ERA invites you to donate and make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or cell phone, every device can create opportunities, reduce e-waste, and bring hope to someone in need.

Donating is Simple
ERA offers convenient, free pickup services across Canada.

Call: 1-877-9EWASTE / Email: info@era.ca / Visit: www.era.ca to schedule a pickup.

Let’s Make This Season Count
“Your donation today can change lives tomorrow,” adds Paduh. “Together, we can meet the urgent needs of these charities while fostering a sustainable future.”  Don’t wait—help ERA ensure no charity is left behind this holiday season.

SOURCE Electronic Recycling Association

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MyDataRemoval Proven More Effective Than Competing Data Removal Services [updated links]

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Internal and external reports show MyDataRemoval to be the most effective personal data removal service. MyDataRemoval has achieved over 70% data removal within the first week and 90% within four months, outperforming industry competitors who average 26% in the first week and 35% within four months.

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Recent findings from a consumer advocacy group have raised concerns about the effectiveness of people-search site removal services, revealing high rates of ineffectiveness among tested companies. Notably, MyDataRemoval was not included in this study. In response, MyDataRemoval conducted an internal audit [updated link] to evaluate its standing relative to the competition, revealing that it was already leading the industry. Building on this success, MyDataRemoval has since enhanced its methodologies and technologies for data removal. As a result, MyDataRemoval is now reaching a 90% removal rate within four months and exceeding a 70% removal rate within the first week—results that place it well above the competition.

MyDataRemoval will remove your data from people search sites more effectively than anyone else out there.

Over 70% of personal data removed within the first week: MyDataRemoval successfully removed over 70% of personal data from people-search websites within just one week, outperforming all other services tested by Consumer Reports.Effectiveness over time: MyDataRemoval maintained superior performance compared to other data removal services, with 80% of data removed within one month and 90% within four months.Competitor Comparison in one week: The average effectiveness for the first week across competing services was 30%, whereas MyDataRemoval removed over 70%, demonstrating a clear advantage.Competitor Comparison at four months: Competing services demonstrated significantly lower data removal rates, with some services removing only 27% of personal data within four months.

MyDataRemoval’s internal audits have demonstrated that the service is not only more effective in the initial stages of data removal but also continues to outperform over time. Its proprietary methods, commitment to ongoing audits, and dedication to continuous improvement ensure that it remains a leader in data removal.

MyDataRemoval acknowledges that while current effectiveness rates are industry-leading, there is still room for growth. The goal is to achieve over 90% removal rates across all categories and time frames. MyDataRemoval is committed to conducting monthly audits and making these results publicly available to ensure transparency and continuous improvement. You can see the most recent audit results here [updated link].

Privacy is more important than ever, and MyDataRemoval is here to help individuals reclaim theirs. Do not settle for ineffective data removal—trust the service that has been proven to deliver results. Find MyDataRemoval at www.mydataremoval.com or contact us at hello@mydataremoval.com or call (855) 700-2914 to start your journey towards a more private online presence.

Stay tuned for our monthly audit updates to see how we are continuously improving to make your personal information private once again.

Audit date: 8/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 85%Profiles removed within 1 month: 71%Profiles removed within 4 months: 73%

Audit date: 9/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 85%Profiles removed within 1 month: 78%Profiles removed within 4 months: 92%

Audit date: 10/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 59%Profiles removed within 1 month: 81%Profiles removed within 4 months: 90%

Audit date: 11/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 77%Profiles removed within 1 month: 81%Profiles removed within 4 months: 90%

Media Contact

James Wilson, MyDataRemoval, 1 8557002194, hello@mydataremoval.com, https://www.mydataremoval.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/mydataremoval-proven-more-effective-than-competing-data-removal-services-updated-links-302313853.html

SOURCE MyDataRemoval

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AABE, FPL and Partners Hosted the Blacks in Energy Event and Generator Build Competition at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School

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Black Energy Awareness Month event in West Palm Beach.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In recognition of Black Energy Awareness Month, members of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), Florida Chapter, partnered with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), and others, to host and conduct a Generator Build Competition at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“It is such a joy and delight to witness the determination of these young and ambitious students who are focused-driven and eager to excel,” says Whitney Walker, Lead Community Relations Specialist with Next Era Energy/FPL.

During the event, high school students were provided with an overview of the energy industry and introduced to the field of engineering. The students met with and heard from engineers and senior managers in the industry, and took part in the generator build competition, where they learned the basics of generator theory and how electric voltage is created. Each member of the competition’s winning team received a $50 gift card.

“It is such a joy and delight to witness the determination of these young and ambitious students who are focused-driven and eager to excel,” says Whitney Walker, Lead Community Relations Specialist with Next Era Energy/FPL.

Other empowering speakers included: Dr. Michelle Saunders, Lead Project Manager – Distribution, Next Era Energy/FPL; Norman Riemer, SECME District Coordinator – Palm Beach County School District; Dion Watson, Director – Next Era Energy Resource Development – Next Era Energy/FPL; Oleg Andric, Department Chair & Professor, Electric Power Technology – Palm Beach State College, and Jasmine Govan, Community Relations Specialist, Next Era Energy/FPL.

This event was made possible by the generous support and involvement of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) – Florida Chapter, Florida Power & Light Company, NextEra Energy, Inc., the University of Florida – SECME of Palm Beach County School District, Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Lakes Community High School.

About AABE

Established in 1977, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is an association founded and dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies regulations. The national membership includes more than 1,600 professionals representing every sector of the energy industry. There are 40 chapters located in states, metropolitan areas and college campuses around the country. AABE utilizes the expertise of their members to analyze energy policy and serve as a resource for community leaders, consumers, policymakers and regulators on the impact that these policies have on underrepresented communities.

The members of AABE are committed to building the pipeline of African Americans in leadership positions in the energy industry. Through scholarship programs, students who plan to major in science, mathematics, engineering and technology have the opportunity to receive scholarships on the local, regional and national level. The AABE members have the opportunity for professional development at chapter meetings, regional and national conferences. For more information about the association, visit www.aabe.org.

Media Contact

Bernadette Morris, Sonshine Communications, 1 3059488063 201, bmorris@sonshine.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/aabe-fpl-and-partners-hosted-the-blacks-in-energy-event-and-generator-build-competition-at-palm-beach-lakes-community-high-school-302314611.html

SOURCE AABE

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