Wannabe explores the future of robotics, AI and social engagement
The talent of the younger generation, technological development and digital humanism took centre stage in the latest episode of "Wannabe. The future I would like", broadcast yesterday on Rai Radio 1. On the eve of the 19th edition of RomeCup, which opens today at Sapienza University of Rome, the Director General of the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, Mirta Michilli, together with lecturers and very young inventors, explained how innovation is becoming a practical tool for building a fairer society.
A bridge between schools, universities and research
The RomeCup remains Italy’s largest event dedicated to educational innovation, involving around 4,000 participants, including students, researchers and teachers. ‘We are putting young people at the centre precisely so that we can reflect together on what kind of society we want, but above all on how we can support them in becoming protagonists of the future,’ said Mirta Michilli during the interview. This year, to mark the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, the event is dedicating a special section to Digital Humanities, paying tribute to the pioneer Tullio De Mauro and the convergence of different fields of knowledge.
The educational challenge of Artificial Intelligence
A central theme of the debate was the ethical and responsible use of AI in schools. The Foundation will present an practical guide to support teachers and school leaders in this transition. “Adults must be the first to step up and lead this process,” emphasised Michilli.
On the sociological front, Professor Leopoldina Fortunati drew attention to the critical awareness needed to navigate the digital world: “We must also become fully aware of the negative aspects… behind the technology there is also a company, and these companies have their own logic that must be understood in order to navigate it effectively”. The professor also warned of the risks of gender stereotypes perpetuated by algorithms, describing them as ‘very harmful, especially for girls’ due to the aesthetic standards imposed online.
The genius of young people: three projects with a social and environmental focus
The report gave a voice to the true protagonists of RomeCup: the students who are transforming technology into solutions for the common good.
RoboVision (Health): Gianluca Pinto (IIS Fermi, Francavilla Fontana) presented a smart cane for the visually impaired that uses AI to detect urban obstacles such as scooters or low-hanging branches. ‘I think giving other people the chance to live more peacefully brings a kind of happiness that is hard to find,’ said Gianluca.
Orienta (Inclusion): Anna Assante (Liceo Majorana, Pozzuoli) described a sensory ankle bracelet to help elderly or visually impaired people find their way. The aim is ‘to improve their quality of life, but also their self-esteem and sense of security,’ by combating the constant fear that stems from visual impairment.
Volterra Blue Sentinels (Environment): Gianmarco Promutico (Volterra High School, Rome) presented a low-cost smart buoy (just €25) to monitor the health of the seas. Made from recycled materials such as swimming pool pipes, the buoy measures temperature, water turbidity and wind, powered by solar panels.
Towards the Campidoglio
The event concludes on 30 April at the Campidoglio with the competition finals and the awards ceremony. On the evening of 29 April, the winners will be presented with their awards in the prestigious setting of the Campidoglio, where a prize of 20,000 euros will also be awarded to the most promising young researchers in the fields of robotics and AI. As Mirta Michilli concluded, the RomeCup is ‘a wonderful collective story of Italy’s many young talents’.
