STUDENTS at Hunter River High School in Heatherbrae had the unique opportunity to experience a live demonstration of emerging technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics as part of a Careers Week 2026 learning program.
Neuranext founder Adrian Tyson visited the school on Thursday 14 May to teach kids what AI is, what it isn’t, and how it’s going to change the job market (and the world).
He even brought a few robots with him.
“It’s important for students to see cutting edge technologies because it encourages them to get involved,” Mr Tyson said
Students could interact with technological wonders such as autonomous drones, self-driving toy cars and robot dogs.
The highlight was the showcase of some of the most sophisticated models of humanoid automatons, which have the capability to perform complex actions, such as playing soccer, dancing, and doing martial arts.
While students were captivated by the impressive displays, Mr Tyson explained the practical applications of these technologies, and the ways in which they’re being rolled out across the country.
“AI isn’t only relevant for tech and science jobs, but affects jobs from every industry, like agriculture or banking,” he explained.
“Nothing has changed the market this much since the invention of electricity.”
In the coming years, many of the showcased tools (including the humanoid robots) will not only become assistants to humans, but will play a part in filling positions that are experiencing labour shortages, or that are too dangerous or complex for humans to perform.
The most important advice for students was that everyone, regardless of their desired career path, should learn basic AI skills to give themselves an advantage in the job market.
Student Mitchell Plumridge said the robotics demonstration “felt like something that’s from beyond our time”.
“Robotics isn’t really my thing, but I will probably still learn those AI skills so I can use them if I need to.”
By Nico LOMBARDO
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
