Tech Lab
Tech Talk: Meet Barney, BARN’s Greeting Robot
Learn about plans for building a greeting robot for BARN.
Meeting Times
- Sat, 8/23/2025 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Sat, 8/23/2025
About
Barney is BARN's new "tour robot" project. Have you ever wanted to help build a robot? Here's your chance! BARN members are creating a friendly robot dubbed Barney, which will give tours of our maker space and greet visitors.
Picture a robot rolling around BARN, stopping at different studios to explain what happens there. Barney will be able to talk with visitors, navigate our space safely, and show off all the cool things we do here, from 3D printing to laser cutting.
We're starting simple with computer simulations, then building a real robot that can move around and interact with people.
Details
- No robotics experience? No problem! We need people with all kinds of interests and skills, including hardware, software, and digital content. This project will take months to complete, so there's plenty of time to jump in at your comfort level.
- Come to this free Tech Talk to learn more!
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Nat Ballou
Nat has worked in the computer field for more than 40 years. He was employed at both large companies (NCR, AT&R, Microsoft) as well as small, startup companies building mobile applications.
Nat holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in digital education leadership from Seattle Pacific University. Nat also has taught computer science at a community college on the east side. He and his wife moved to Bainbridge Island in September 2020 and immediately became BARN members. You can reach Nat at natbal@gmail.com for any questions.
Nat holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in digital education leadership from Seattle Pacific University. Nat also has taught computer science at a community college on the east side. He and his wife moved to Bainbridge Island in September 2020 and immediately became BARN members. You can reach Nat at natbal@gmail.com for any questions.
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