Keystone Precision Solutions’ Robotic Dog Delivers at IronPigs’ Game,
Attracts Local Students to STEAM Fields
ALLENTOWN, PA—After Spar-key delivered the ball to the mound for the first pitch prior to a Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ baseball game in April, it didn’t pant, wag its tail or even sit for a treat. Spar-key is a robotic “dog” owned by Keystone Precision Solutions (KPS), a surveying equipment and software company located in Allentown, PA.
Spar-key, a yellow and black robot that walks on four legs, was the highlight of the IronPigs’ 2nd Annual STEAM Night activities, which offered local students an interactive experience with organizations in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEAM) fields.
KPS uses Spar-key, which was manufactured by Boston Dynamics, to perform surveying in dangerous places, such as on construction sites. The robot is able to navigate without assistance in uneven terrain and can even go up and down stairs.
When not at work, Spar-key is also an attention-getter, especially for school-aged children and teenagers who are fascinated with its design and capabilities.
KPS is well-aware of the importance of attracting the next generation of students into the STEAM fields. After all, these future college students and graduates are the leaders and employees of tomorrow, and the future visionaries who will solve global problems and drive global innovation.
On this night, Coca Cola Park truly was a “field of dreams” as baseball and career possibilities converged. Students were able to interact with KPS representatives about surveying or robotics as a career. They learned that surveyors establish boundaries of land, air space, and water, and map and measure the Earth’s surface for building roads, dams, bridges, buildings, housing developments, and much more.
Furthermore, by experiencing Spar-key, they saw firsthand what can be accomplished when creativity and technology intersect.
KPS was a sponsor of the IronPigs’ STEAM Night. Its support allowed for 100 students to attend the game and participate in the evening’s STEAM-based activities. Through the STEAM Night sponsor program, a total of 2,090 tickets were donated to local schools for children to attend. KPS also donated four tickets to a future Iron Pigs Game to the winner of the “Name the Robotic Dog” contest. The winning name is Spar-Key and came from the creative mind of Lily O.