BROC - National Instruments - NIWeek '06

August 8th - 10th, 2006 

I really have to fight myself to keep this report short. There is simply too much information 
I would like to present. It was an incredible conference. I will tell you now that this was an 
amazing gathering of technology and the people that bring it to the world! Engineers, scientists 
and educators worldwide gathered at NIWeek to learn about cost-efficient, flexible technologies 
for creating advanced test, control and design solutions. The conference lasted for three full 
days of interactive technical sessions, summits and hands-on workshops and each morning started 
with a 2 hour keynote address. 

Everything was inspiring. Especially, the closing keynote presentation titled, "Inspiring Present 
and Future Scientists and Engineers to Innovate" was delivered by DEKA President and FIRST 
(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Founder Dean Kamen.  He invented the 
Segway personal transportation vehicle. It was amazing to witness. The keynote examined the need 
for scientists and engineers to play a more central, visible and celebrated role in society today. 
Providing role-models for the youth of today that will shape Science and Technology of tomorrow. 
There is a real need for this type of "obtainable" role influence. There are far too many examples 
of sports and entertainment role-models inhibiting careers in science and technology. We are designing 
ourselves out of a solid future. Unfortunately, the video is not available due to contractual 
obligations between DEKA and National instruments. This one video could help inspire the world 
to grow in the right direction. It's almost shameful to keep it hidden!

For a tidbit of info to wet your tongue…see the videos posted HERE: 
http://www.ni.com/niweek/keynote_videos.htm. 
Especially, the NIWeek 2006 Highlights video and the 5th video down the Tuesday listing - 
"Lego Mindstorms Powered by NI LabVIEW."

Oh! I can see my arm(s) again in the Highlights video! My Team’s "Mission Possible" bot is the one 
falling over on the Challenge course. Just after a shot of Steve Hassenplug and Brian Davis' bot 
3/4 of the way through the video. I might add that the real "LEGO MINDSTORMS experts" in the 
NIWeek'06 "Mission Possible Challenge" are the attending high school students in the FIRST LEGO League 
program... "Taking first place with a time of 15 seconds, the team from LBJ High School's LBJ LASA 
Robotics team outraced their competitors to win two LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT kits."


Christopher R. Smith
Littlehorn
MindStorms Development Program (NXT)
MindStorms Community Partner
Official MindStorms Website Forum Host/Moderator

jodokast (at) earthlink.net