Photo Credit: Jesse Lopez, Wetumka OK
WETUMKA, Okla. — Members of the Wetumka Chamber of Commerce got a firsthand look at cutting-edge technology during their monthly meeting as representatives from Wes Watkins Technology Center introduced Neo, an advanced robotic dog designed to prepare students for the future.
Tametha McNelley, an Instructor at Wes Watkins Technology center is a retired U.S Air Force Master Sergeant. She brings nearly three decades of experience in electronics and information technology to her role teaching Cybersecurity and Computer Programming at Wes Watkins Technology Center. We had the privilege of meeting her as she introduced us to Neo.
Neo, manufactured by Unitree, is a four-legged robotic device equipped with a variety of high-tech features, including thermal cameras, mapping sensors and LiDAR technology. The robotic dog can map its surroundings, recognize faces, respond to voice commands and be block-programmed to perform repetitive tasks such as monitoring designated areas.
Some local residents may already be familiar with similar technology. Comparable robotic systems are used in commercial settings, including at Henryetta’s QuikTrip, where automated machines help keep floors clean. Neo’s capabilities, however, extend far beyond maintenance. Potential applications include search and rescue operations, security and surveillance, and law enforcement.
Neo can also climb stairs and features a companion mode that allows it to follow a person during a walk or jog.
Educators at Wes Watkins Technology Center say the robotic dog provides students with more than just exposure to emerging technology. It also encourages them to think creatively about solving real-world problems while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Weighing approximately 40 pounds, Neo can operate for about eight hours on a single battery charge. While the technology offers significant educational benefits, it also comes with a substantial cost. Neo was purchased for approximately $15,000 using 413 State Department CareerTech funds — money that had to be used within a designated timeframe or be forfeited.
Wes Watkins Technology Center, a member of Oklahoma’s CareerTech system, has served area students, residents and businesses since 1987. The district spans 1,185 square miles across Hughes, McIntosh, Okmulgee and Okfuskee counties and serves nine partner schools: Bearden, Graham-Dustin, Hanna, Holdenville, Mason, Moss, Okemah, Weleetka and Wetumka.
The school has also earned recognition as a 32-time recipient of the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers’ Gold Star School of Excellence award.
Officials said WWTC remains committed to preparing students for careers through short-term and full-time programs that equip them with industry skills, certifications and licensures for high-demand occupations.
The Wetumka Chamber of Commerce invited Wes Watkins Technology Center to present Neo as part of its ongoing monthly programs aimed at sharing ideas and expanding community knowledge. The chamber is made up of local individuals and businesses dedicated to making Wetumka a strong place to live, work and grow.
For more information, contact Wes Watkins Technology Center at 405-452-5500 or visit its campus at 7892 Highway 9 in Wetumka. The Wetumka Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 405-425-3237 or by email at wetumkaacoc@gmail.com.