Milo, the robot4autism, drew a large crowd at the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s first K-12 STEM Expo last week in Downingtown, writes Kathy Boccella for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The spiky-haired Milo wowed attendees with its ability to show and teach a range of emotions, from joy to anger, to children on the autism spectrum. They follow its lessons and respond using an iPad. Milo was one of several devices that showcased the ability of new technology to help students with learning difficulties.

The goal of the Expo was to update educators with the rapid advances in available learning tools. The idea grew from smaller networking meetings with librarians who expressed a desire to learn how to convert their libraries into modern “maker spaces.”

The 18 inventions and products showcased included virtual-reality headsets, buildable robot cubes, and classroom chairs that can move for the hyperactive.

“We felt there was a need to create something local to help librarians and teachers make that shift to the new classroom technologies,” said Demetrius Roberts, the CCIU’s Director of STEM learning.

Read more about the STEM Expo in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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