“I’m excited to learn from them and to meet students you normally connect with on campus though a mobile device is as close as it can get,” said Kelly, a naval instructor for Lockheed Martin. “It helps fulfill the college experience and makes you feel like an important part of the University.”
HackPSU brings students together to learn about cutting-edge technology, build alongside industry professionals and compete for prizes. During the event, Kelly will be able to connect with, access and control the robot remotely from home. The Navy veteran will be able to move the device in any direction and communicate and collaborate with team members during the event and challenges without on-site assistance.
At past HackPSU events, students carried laptops around for the virtual hackers, requiring significant manpower and time commitments from volunteers. HackPSU student director Jen Platt says the device, which is provided by Penn State Outreach and Online Education, will let Kelly have a more complete experience.
“It will be a much more interactive experience for the virtual hackers,” said Platt. “They’ll feel more integrated, and I think it will also help them explore HackPSU and see what it’s about and the various ways to get involved.”
HackPSU is organized by Innoblue Entrepreneurship with support from IST Startup Week, Penn State EdTech Network, College of Engineering, and College of Information Sciences and Technology.