Meet Mike

Robot Programming Coach

Coach Mike is a virtual human stationed at "Robot Park" in Cahners ComputerPlace. He is very eager to help you learn how to program a robot — not only to help you get the robot turning, buzzing, singing, and more, but to also tell you how the exhibit actually works, and even challenge you to solve specific problems. He'll be there to explain, cheer you on, and give you help when you need it.

Coach Mike really enjoys helping visitors, so don't be surprised by his enthusiastic reactions to whatever you make the robot do. If you do a really good job and correctly solve the challenges, he gets very excited for you!

Michael Horn

Coach Mike is named after Michael Horn, the Northwestern University professor who created "Robot Park" and the Tern programming language as a fun and intuitive way to learn programming. Tern is known as a tangible programming language, meaning that you interact with it by touching, moving, and assembling pieces. In his research, Professor Horn found this kind of interface to be superior to traditional computer interfaces (like a keyboard and mouse) in terms of how engaged people become in writing programs. Since "Robot Park" opened in TK, it has exposed thousands of Museum visitors to the concepts of programming and robotics.

Professor Horn earned his Ph.D. in computer science at Tufts University, working in the Human-Computer Interaction Lab and the Developmental Technologies research group. He studied computer science as an undergraduate at Brown University and has worked as a software engineer for several companies including Classroom Connect and iRobot Corporation. His current research explores the use of emerging interactive technology in the design of novel learning experiences.