DOWNEY - On Feb. 8, 198 students from Downey and Warren high schools had the opportunity to attend the Automation Technology (ATX) West Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center.

This expo, which is North America’s largest advanced design and manufacturing event, connected Downey Unified students with notable automation and robotics professionals, and 20,000 engineers and executives who provided feedback on the latest innovations reshaping the industry.
 
Inside the exhibition halls, students experienced displays that featured ways to test drive new robotics technologies, find automation suppliers, and get inspired by the latest innovations in the advanced design and manufacturing industry.
 
“Many students had never attended a large trade show before and were amazed by the immersive technology and availability of industry professionals they could interact with at the expo,” expressed Carmen Tovar, student chaperone and member of the Bayha Group.  “Students explored the various large exhibit halls and couldn’t believe their eyes.”
 
When asked what major takeaways they had from this experience, some stated, “Technology is everywhere and makes what once was difficult, more efficient.” “I see people from different fields and industries coming together to make a single product work.” “Technology is always growing and it has many opportunities and openings.”
 
A large perk of attending trade shows is collecting free promotional items from exhibitors. They received 3D printed items, reusable bags, brochures and Play-Doh. When the day came to an end, students were asked to describe the event in one word and they expressed words such as “eye-opening,” “exciting,” and “jaw-dropping.”
 
This field trip was made possible by the generosity of Michael Amy from Engineered Industrial Products. In addition, transportation, substitute teachers, and event coordination was provided through the Downey Unified MADE Program with funding from the California Career Pathways Trust grant. Bayha Group staff coordinated the field trip and attended as chaperones along with other Downey Unified volunteers.