So lucky for us, Kevin established RoboArena to provide children with the opportunity to learn science, technology, engineering and maths while having fun. Because the kids are having so much fun they don't notice they're learning.
Our two-hour session began with the rules, and very simple they were: listen to the instructions, protect your robot at any cost (each robot costs $700) and enjoy yourself. Kevin's capable assistant (and son) Simon, 10, is the tech expert and ace programmer of the outfit. The younger kids loved that one of their teachers was also one of them.
Simon expects when he's older he'll have a job in maths, engineering or science, "but I'll always have RoboArena", he said, eyes shining - like some people will always have Paris.
In pairs, or on their own, participants begin by building a robot. The step-by-step picture-based instructions, like a robot recipe, are not so hard as to be frustrating for first-timers, but are not so easy that minds aren't stretched.
There was a hum in the room as everyone worked, discussed options, tried and undid things. Tech expert Simon and his dad assisted where necessary, making suggestions for little tweaks, or just observing, waiting for the budding engineers to find the answer by themselves.
Soon the robots were ready for battle and to the arena we went. Again, battle rules were simple: when all your wheels are over the line, your robot is out. Ditto a flipped robot. At least one wheel has to stay on the ground in the arena for it to stay in the game. And the referee's word is final. Got it?
The first opponents sized each other up. "Get your robots ready," Kevin instructed. Fingers poised on orange start buttons, an arm raised to indicate readiness, and then the cry of: "Let the battle begin."And it's game on.
Pulses raced. The mood around the arena was tense as the mechanical gladiators fought it out.
The robots, with their high-tech sensors, circled one another, they danced, pushed, retreated, went in again for the attack. There was engaging and regrouping and, within 90 seconds we had our first victor.
Ollie, 6, said: "When I start battling it makes me feel excited." His mum, Jen, said of his first visit: "He couldn't stop bouncing. He was enthralled for two-and-a-half hours."
Maddie, 8, who'd had a previous birthday party with RoboArena, realised half way through that "this is turning into a maths lesson".
At the call of "last battle" I thought, "What? We've barely been here an hour." Nope, time had flown and there were just 20 minutes to go.
Competitors were given a brief opportunity to upgrade and modify their machines, to make them heavier, stronger and more clever before the last round of war. Lessons learned about weight, traction, friction, agility and speed were put into practice. One of the things I liked was that there were clear winners and losers yet everyone was gracious in defeat, or delighted to win. And when it all boils down, the robots were the winners on the day.
Need to know
RoboArena is open to all children aged 6 to 15. Participants use Lego Mindstorms for two hours of building and battling. There are courses and classes throughout the greater Auckland area. Sessions cost $15 each.
