School of Fun for Children in Fukushima

by Academy Camp
Play Video
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima
School of Fun for Children in Fukushima

Project Report | Jan 22, 2025
Academy Camp 2025 Winter - Live and Let Think

By Kenji Saito | Representative Director

Talking to a robot cat as a household assistant
Talking to a robot cat as a household assistant

Please find a Japanese version of this report here.

During Japan's January long weekend, we once again held a camp on AI and robotics at Waseda University. Twelve elementary, middle, and high school students from the Tohoku, Kanto, and Tokai regions participated. This time, the camp was titled "Live and Let Think," focusing on meta-thinking, exploring what tasks and thoughts to assign to AI-equipped cat-shaped robots we assembed in the September camp last year.

The first activity we did was a simplified version of Yamabushi training. We wrapped white sacred headbands around our heads and visited gardens, shrines, and parks around the university campus. We offered prayers, felt the presence of nature, and reflected on the coexistence of humans and the natural world. The reason for this activity was to draw a parallel: just as AI and robotics function autonomously, nature also operates autonomously from the human perspective. This similarity made us consider how humans interact with nature and how that might be comparable to our relationships with AI and robots.

Next, we explored the latest generative AI tools and experienced the remarkable capabilities of AI, which are beginning to surpass human thinking abilities. Following this, we engaged in discussions using the World Café format. Through these conversations, we reflected on how we feel about AI, the similarities and differences between nature and AI, what tasks AI should perform, and how we might interact with AI and robots in the year 2035. During the discussions, a unique question emerged from the children: "Which is the 'field'—AI or humans? Who is harvesting from whom?" This thought-provoking question sparked a debate, leading to the conclusion that perhaps both could be the "field" in different view points.

We then customized six cat-shaped robots, enhanced for voice interaction, by assigning each a unique character and speaking style. Afterward, we prepared to demonstrate scenes of life with AI and robots in the year 2035 and presented them as short skits in front of everyone. For example, the skits featured scenarios such as attending school alongside a companion robot, getting help with household chores, living with a robot as a partner, or having a robot as a playmate.

The four high school students, who took on sub-leader roles (also partially acting as staff), played an impressive part in the camp's success. Their contributions helped inspire various experiences and meta-thinking throughout the three days. The camp concluded with this important message: "Don't just feel. Live, and let them think", and we are committed to continuing these camps where children themselves take the lead in imagining and shaping the future.

Mimicking Yamabushi to feel harmony with nature
Mimicking Yamabushi to feel harmony with nature
World Cafe to think about life with AI and robots
World Cafe to think about life with AI and robots
Demo of future school life with companion robots
Demo of future school life with companion robots
Interacting with a tiny mechanical bride
Interacting with a tiny mechanical bride
W is for Waseda
W is for Waseda

Links:

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.

Sign up for updates

Organization Information

Academy Camp

Location: Fujisawa, Kanagawa - Japan
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @academy_camp
Project Leader:
Kenji Saito
Fujisawa , Kanagawa Japan
$188,160 raised of $300,000 goal
 
1,798 donations
$111,840 to go
Donate Now

Help raise money!

Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.

Start a Fundraiser

Learn more about GlobalGiving

Teenage Science Students
Vetting +
Due Diligence

Snorkeler
Our
Impact

Woman Holding a Gift Card
Give
Gift Cards

Young Girl with a Bicycle
GlobalGiving
Guarantee

Get incredible stories, promotions, and matching offers in your inbox

WARNING: Javascript is currently disabled or is not available in your browser. GlobalGiving makes extensive use of Javascript and will not function properly with Javascript disabled. Please enable Javascript and refresh this page.