Children and families can explore the biomechanics of com=
plex animal robots to discover how real animals work, thanks to a touring e=
xhibit, “The Robot Zoo.” Â The exhibit is touring science and natural histor=
y museums as well as zoos throughout North America and makes a stop in Evan=
sville, Indiana from June 8 – September 7, 2015 at Mesker Park Zoo & Botani=
c Garden. Â This is the first traveling exhibit to visit the Kley Exhibit Ha=
ll on zoo grounds.
The 2,500-square-foot exhibit, reveals the magic of nature as a master engi=
neer. Three robot animals and seven hands-on activities illustrate fascinat=
ing real-life characteristics, such as how a chameleon changes colors and a=
fly walks on the ceiling. Â The larger-than-life-size animated robots inclu=
de a chameleon and a platypus. Also featured is a house fly with a 3-foot w=
ingspread.
Machinery in the robot animals simulates the body parts of their real-life =
counterparts. In the robot animals, muscles become pistons, intestines beco=
me filtering pipes and brains become computers.
Sensory activities include “Swat the Fly,” a test of the visitor’s reaction=
time (one-twelfth as fast as a house fly’s), and “Sticky Feet,” where visi=
tors wearing special hand pads can try to stick like flies to a sloped surf=
ace. Triggering the “Tongue Gun” demonstrates how a real chameleon shoots o=
ut its long, sticky-tipped tongue to reel in a meal.
The exhibit is based on the book The Robot Zoo that was conceived, edited a=
nd designed by Marshall Editions of London, England.
Visitors to the zoo can add exploration time to The Robot Zoo for an additi=
onal $2.00 per person. Â Zoo tokens, cash, and credit card are acceptable fo=
rms of payment. The Robot Zoo is open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm. For more =
information on the exhibit visit www.meskerparkzoo.com<http://www.meskerpar=
kzoo.com>.
