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A visitor to Madame Tussaud’s Museum in Las Vegas poses next to an effigy of Daniel Craig as Agent 007. Source: Flickr
San Jose – The work of legendary MI6 agent James Bond of Her Majesty’s Secret Service could be made easier by the scientific talent of Costa Rica. Tico scientists, engineers and inventors interested in developing a gadget suitable for the dangerous missions of the fictitious secret agent created by the late novelist Ian Fleming will have a chance to enter a special contest sponsored by the British Embassy and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT in Spanish).
The National Contest of Applied Automation and Robotics, also known as Robotifest 2012, is open to scientists and engineers 15 years of age and older. The idea is to create a gadget that James Bond would use in case one of his daring assignments brings him to Costa Rica. Robotifest 2012 is coordinated by the School of Engineering of the University of Costa Rica, the National University and the Institute of Technology.
While the hard work of secret agent 007 has been traditionally augmented by the use of high-tech gadgets presented by “Q”, the staid director of MI6 Research and Development Branch, fans of the fictional universe crafted by Ian Fleming have grumbled that recent films lack in the gadget department. In the current Daniel Craig era of James Bond movies, the secret agent does not use gadgets as much as before. The scientific and engineering community of Costa Rica now has a chance to reverse that trend.
The focus of Robotifest 2012 is to stimulate creativity in the application of robotic solutions and automated devices in everyday life, with the ultimate goal of incorporating inventions that can efficiently replace conventional systems. The competition is part of a greater national effort to promote the burgeoning field of robotics in Costa Rica. Earlier this year, the MICIT accompanied young Tico scientists to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, where Luis Gerardo Leon brought home an award for a robotic wheelchair controlled by facial gestures, specially designed to improve the quality of life of the disabled.
Details about Robotifest 2012 will be officially divulged on Thursday, July 12th at the British Embassy Residence in San Rafael Escazu, located 300 meters east and 50 meters north from the stoplights of the Country Club (you may need a gadget to find it, or just ask for directions). The event starts at 1900, sharp. Those who plan to attend must contact MICIT in advance to get on the official guest list, which will be vetted by members of the British Embassy Security staff who may or may not have ties with MI6. No word on whether Mr. Bond will attend.
Contact MICIT at 2248-1515 extensions 121 and 133
