SINGAPORE \u2013 As children navigate a world increasingly shaped by robotics and artificial intelligence, they should not be passive consumers of technology \u2013 parents can help them become confident creators instead. <\/p>\n
Start by igniting their curiosity, prompting them to question: \u201cHow does this work?\u201d and \u201cWhat if we tried this instead?\u201d, says Science Centre Board\u2019s chief executive Tham Mun See.<\/p>\n
Science Centre Singapore\u2019s inaugural RoboFest 2026: Meet Tomorrow, Today<\/span><\/a> aims to engage children with robotics and AI. Running from April 9 to 12, the festival features four zones with interactive experiences and live demonstrations.<\/p>\n Families with children of all ages are welcome, though the learning opportunities deepen with age.<\/p>\n For pre-schoolers, Ms Tham highlights The Playground zone where they can catch robot boxing showdowns and robot dog fire-fighting challenges. A comedy performance My Colleague Is A Robot Dog offers a playful look at human-robot interaction.<\/p>\n These events aim to create \u201cmagical moments that spark wonder about technology\u201d, she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n Primary school children and youth can take part in hands-on activities, such as building robots and engaging in AI prompt-crafting through a multi-player game. These experiences will help them grasp the \u201chow\u201d behind the \u201cwow\u201d.<\/p>\n Robotics and AI are already integral to people\u2019s daily lives, but Ms Tham observes that the technology often \u201cremains mysterious, even intimidating\u201d, for many people.<\/p>\n \u201cRoboFest was born from a simple belief: People shouldn\u2019t fear what they don\u2019t understand,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n Behind every intelligent machine lies human ingenuity, she points out. <\/p>\n \u201cWe demystify robotics by showing the human story behind the technology, and how our curiosity, creativity and collaborative spirit drive innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFrom competition arenas to social robot demonstrations, every experience reinforces that the future belongs to those who work in tandem with intelligent machines.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond offering hands-on activities with emerging technologies, the festival also aims to ensure that children understand AI ethics and learn how to use these tools responsibly.<\/p>\n Primary school children and youth can take part in hands-on activities, such as building robots and engaging in AI prompt-crafting through a multi-player game.<\/p>\n PHOTO: SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Ms Tham describes the festival as \u201cplanting seeds of curiosity for the youngest visitors, while offering older children the tools to nurture that curiosity into understanding\u201d.<\/p>\n She adds: \u201cWe want children to feel empowered knowing that technology is not magic reserved for experts, but something they can learn, shape and improve.\u201d<\/p>\n Book It\/RoboFest 2026: Meet Tomorrow, Today<\/b><\/p>\n Where: <\/b>Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road<\/picture><\/div>
When: <\/b>April 9 to 12; 9am to 5pm (weekdays), 10am to 6pm (weekends)
Admission: <\/b>Singaporeans and permanent residents enjoy discounted tickets at $4 on weekdays and $6 on weekends (children aged three to 12, or seniors aged 60 and above); $6 on weekdays and $10 on weekends (adults). Tickets include Science Centre admission
Info:<\/b> Go to str.sg\/8NTb<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n