Afghanistan robot

[Dick Linn]

One of our former team members just deployed to Afghanistan. He says:

"One of my sergeants and I are starting on a robotics project, we’ve got some treads and we found some chain and sprockets, I even found a gear box, I’m still looking for another one."

So if anyone knows where there is "another gearbox" over there, holler.

I'll keep posting if anything comes of this project. Robot enthusiasts are nuts.

[Jon236]

I know we can send toiletries and other items to the troops....do you think we can send AM trannies?

[Akash Rastogi]

We could donate chain, sprockets, & some motors.

If we could all get more info it sounds like a great way to help keep troops occupied.

[Jon236]

Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi

If we could all get more info it sounds like a great way to help keep troops occupied.

I'll settle for helping them keep safe!

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Jon236

I'll settle for helping them keep safe!

Being someone who has friends and family abroad (not just in the Middle East) I know what that feels like.

Are they also looking for wheels and such? A list of things they need would be cool.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Dick Linn

One of our former team members just deployed to Afghanistan. He says:

"One of my sergeants and I are starting on a robotics project, we’ve got some treads and we found some chain and sprockets, I even found a gear box, I’m still looking for another one."

So if anyone knows where there is "another gearbox" over there, holler.

I'll keep posting if anything comes of this project. Robot enthusiasts are nuts.

Being as I've been deployed overseas ...


Let us know where to send it (APO/FPO) and what they really want.

[Jon236]

Since the mission of our troops is to protect the civilian population and promote infrastructure building, including schools, why don't we send Mindstorm kits to our people interesting in working with Afghan children. The establishment of FLL teams will also send the message to these children that they are connected with a larger community, a community that shares the desire for their success.

[IBdrummer]

Originally Posted by Jon236

Since the mission of our troops is to protect the civilian population and promote infrastructure building, including schools, why don't we send Mindstorm kits to our people interesting in working with Afghan children. The establishment of FLL teams will also send the message to these children that they are connected with a larger community, a community that shares the desire for their success.

Idk if the military would be the right organization to go through to get that started. They are there to help, but I don't know if they have the ability to interact that much off base.
P.S. The language barrier might make it a bit hard too

[keehun]

Originally Posted by IBdrummer

Idk if the military would be the right organization to go through to get that started. They are there to help, but I don't know if they have the ability to interact that much off base.
P.S. The language barrier might make it a bit hard too

And I would assume the children in a war torn country won't have the luxury of sitting with too much time developing with creativity... Which is very unfortunate.

[Jon236]

These assumptions are not ours to make.....the only relevant question is who has the time to interface with the children....let's find who those folks are and reach out to them....our job is to inspire....when children realize that the world has more to offer them, they will be less likely to become suicide bombers and more likely to become teachers and engineers....the opportunity is now, not later!

[keehun]

Originally Posted by Jon236

These assumptions are not ours to make.....the only relevant question is who has the time to interface with the children....let's find who those folks are and reach out to them....our job is to inspire....when children realize that the world has more to offer them, they will be less likely to become suicide bombers and more likely to become teachers and engineers....the opportunity is now, not later!

Now that is very true. I won't assume that. I guess giving them a sense of inspiration even in middle of a war zone (assuming it is since soldiers are present... unless it's some sort of a long outreach project..?) is a good thing..

[NorviewsVeteran]

I think a good place to start would be to send them a gearbox or two.

[Molten]

Originally Posted by Jon236

These assumptions are not ours to make.....the only relevant question is who has the time to interface with the children....let's find who those folks are and reach out to them....our job is to inspire....when children realize that the world has more to offer them, they will be less likely to become suicide bombers and more likely to become teachers and engineers....the opportunity is now, not later!

I think an engineer is a bigger threat then a suicide bomber. Just be sure that if we taught them to design and build, we also taught them the ethics that go with it.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Molten

I think an engineer is a bigger threat then a suicide bomber. Just be sure that if we taught them to design and build, we also taught them the ethics that go with it.

Now THAT is an assumption, and if you don't mind, a very ignorant one at that. I hope you realize what I'm saying.

Back on topic...

If the soldiers Mr. Linn is in touch with requested components for their project, we should grant them that first. If Mr. Linn can have his contacts find out the proper channels in order to educate the children of where they are stationed, then we can talk about NXTs when that time comes.

[Molten]

Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi

Now THAT is an assumption, and if you don't mind, a very ignorant one at that. I hope you realize what I'm saying.

I apologize to any and all that I might have offended. I really wasn't meaning to generalize. I was just remarking that a kid we teach today, could be an enemy tomorrow. That is where we need to make sure we inspire as well as teach.

Sorry for implications,
Jason