Bringing Spot to Half Moon Bay High School: Inspiring Robotics and AI Careers
Robots at Half Moon Bay High School: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Recently, I had the chance to bring a few special guests — including Spot, the quadruped robot from Boston Dynamics — to Half Moon Bay High School as part of an event organized in partnership with the Cabrillo Education Foundation (CEF). It was an unforgettable day filled with curiosity, laughter, and some incredibly sharp questions from local students in grades 9-12.
We talked about robotics, artificial intelligence, and most importantly — how STEM careers are more accessible than ever, no matter your background.
Kyle Hulse with Spot from Boston Dynamics at Half Moon Bay High School — a collaboration with the Cabrillo Education Foundation
Why Robotics & AI Matter in K-12
Exposing students to real-world robotics and AI tools during their school years is about more than just cool tech demos. It’s about helping students discover what they are passionate about — and how the future is being built right now, by people just like them.
Robots like Spot aren’t science fiction. They’re actively being used in power plants, factories, research labs, and even in entertainment. We walked through how Spot helps keep workers safe by doing autonomous inspections in places that are too dangerous or repetitive for humans.
And we didn’t just focus on the engineering side — we opened up a conversation about the many roles that support innovation.
Not Just for Engineers: Careers in Robotics & AI
One of the most important messages we shared with students was this: you don’t have to be a software developer or mechanical engineer to work in robotics.
I talked to the class about my own path — working in strategic partnerships — helping robotic companies build relationships with customers, governments, and global organizations. Careers in sales, marketing, design, operations, education, and policy are all part of the ecosystem that supports robotics and AI innovation.
We discussed what it’s like to work at the intersection of technology and people — translating cutting-edge capabilities into real-world value, and building teams and partnerships that help robots make a difference.
Q&A was not easy!
I was especially impressed by the challenging technical questions the students asked — from how Spot localizes itself and avoids obstacles, to how it manages battery life during mission runs. These weren’t surface-level questions — these were insightful, engineering-grade conversations from high schoolers already thinking deeply about how things work.
Moments like that remind me how much talent and curiosity lives in every community — and how important it is to bring these tools and stories into classrooms early.
Robots are Fun
Of course, no robotics visit is complete without a performance — and Spot did a little dance for the crowd, earning cheers, photos & selfies.
Bringing robotics into schools is one of the best ways to inspire the next generation of creators, builders, and problem-solvers. Huge thanks to the CEF team, Half Moon Bay High School, and all the amazing students who made this visit such a success.
*this visit was made possible thanks to Corrine Bucher and the support of the Cabrillo Education Foundation, working to empower students across the Coastside with access to innovative educational experiences.