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Girlzilla Robot Turns Stereotypes About Girls and Tech on Their Heads

GirlzillaThe conventional stereotypes of girls' involvement with technology are being assaulted from every angle these days, as more girls enter the tech industry and flock to games like 'World of Warcraft.' Now, the Lower East Side Girls Club is trying to change the perception that robotics engineering is just for the boys. Girlzilla was created by 11 girls from low-income families for the Howl! Arts Festival, some of whom had never used a wrench before. The 14-foot-tall collection of recycled metal and electronics rides atop a motorized wheelchair.

The part-robot/part-art-project paraded through Tompkins Square park this weekend, with the girls taking turns piloting "her" wheelchair by hiding underneath a skirt of pink and purple fabric. The fun combination of art and robotics appears to appeal to everyone -- even urban gals in lower Manhattan.

Tags: diy, gender, girls, girlzilla, kids, LowerEastSideGirlsClub, nyc, robot, teens, top