In the same halls roamed by Star Wars’ R2D2 and The Incredible Hulk rolled a droid designed by the Hillcrest Robotics Team.

HARV-E, the creation of Husky Robotics, participated in the Kid Con portion of the acclaimed Sept. 4-6 event, which drew hundreds of thousands of costumed visitors to marvel in all things sci-fi — and was the first Comic Con in the country to involve FIRST Robotics students. There, about 20 Hillcrest students drove robot HARV-E to perform exhibitions. Students commanded HARV-E to kick and throw giant balls down a court at the event to the delight of throngs of cheering spectators — and even got the Utah Jazz Bear and “Mythbusters” TV star Grant Imahara into the act.

Robotics is part of CSD’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) initiative, aimed at preparing students for success in college and the jobs of the future. To donate to STEAM or get involved in FIRST Robotics, visit foundation.canyonsdistrict.org.