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Oman’s Science Festival featured an AI zone, a programming hackathon and activities with programmable robots, according to the Oman Observer. Children used touch-based controls and programming cards to learn basic coding, while other challenges put robots on courses.

Visitors could also explore applications of AI, robotics, sensors and programming in areas including education, digital security and road safety. It’s a practical showcase of technology learning, rather than a new AI product or research breakthrough. The question is whether hands-on festival activities can turn a first taste of coding and robotics into lasting interest, or whether the real test comes after the demonstrations pack away.

Discuss: Can hands-on festival activities turn a first taste of coding and robotics into lasting interest, or does that depend on what learners can access afterwards?

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