|
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China's push for innovation is not just about the here and now, as it seeks to inspire the younger generation to explore how science and technology can make their lives better.
Li Yuheng, 13, knows what his vision of the future will include: Robots that do all the housework for his mom, and factory floors manned by machines.
"We have a vacuuming robot at home but it's not smart enough, it always gets stuck in the corners," Li complained when he interacted with robot Alpha 1 at a recent technology show. "But I'm sure in the future robots will help humans with all manners of jobs -- It's just a matter of time!"
Robot Alpha 1 is one of more than 800 inventions showcasing Chinese technological achievements during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-2015) at an exhibition that opened on June 1, International Children's Day, in Beijing.
The inventions, spanning fields like intelligent vehicles, deep-sea exploration and automated surgery, have attracted many science enthusiasts, and were especially a hit with the kids.
For Zhang Yubo, 8, virtual reality gave him a chance to experience his wildest dreams. The VR device he tried out transported him to the gate of a spaceship and he was able to walk out and explore space.
"It feels amazing!" said Zhang. "It feels so real, like I'm really an astronaut and actually walking in space!"
Zhang said he thinks that in the future, VR technology may even make the virtual into reality.
Duan Chenghao, 12, was as equally excited as Zhang, but his attention was drawn to a medical science booth. The boy, who dreams of being a biologist when he grows up, believes that humans will eventually invent a medicine that can cure all diseases.
"I believe that when medical science develops to a certain stage, all countries will have the same level of medical skill," Duan said.
Cui Yeming, 16, shared Duan's passion for medical science, but his interest was piqued by an automated robot that could conduct orthopaedic surgery.
In his eyes, robots like this will revolutionize medical science. He sees a future where even untrained, ordinary people can operate on themselves thanks to robots.
While these inventions would not seem out of place in a blockbuster movie, some of the other items on show are about giving back to the environment.
One of six-year-old Yu Handong's favorite stories is "The Magic School Bus."
"In the book, most of the water on earth is contaminated. Meaning, many people will die," he explained as he looked at a water purifying system on display that prevents and controls water pollution.
"So with a water purifying machine -- like this one -- all the dirty water could be turned into clean water again, and humans will be saved," he explained.
Like him, Zeng Yufei, 12, believes that science has the power to make people's lives better. She is hopeful that in the future science will find a way to eliminate smog and purify the air.
In late May, He Manchao, academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences,spoke at length about cultivating an interest in science among the younger generation.
"Only scientific innovation can make China a stronger country," He said.
At this year's national children's scientific innovation competition, inventions like a self-cleaning blackboard and an energy-saving lamp won prizes. About 72 percent of the products children submitted were related to environmental protection, energy and reduction of emissions.
