JackBord Trust

“Kapit has What it Takes to Lead the World in Robotics”

Meet Jack Penman, a Waikanae resident and electronics engineer.

Jack has been working with students at Paraparaumu College the last few years developing computing and robotics devices. To enable them to learn to code and solve real world problems. After a number of iterations Jack has developed the ultimate computing device called the “JackBord”, to drive all sorts of devices and robots – that kids can build themselves in entirely new ways.

Part of his vision was to restore the Kiwi DIY know-how that’s fading in younger generations. He saw a lot of technology consumption in a wasteful ‘disposable culture’ without understanding where it all comes from or how it works. Jack wanted to instill some new creativity, along with resourcefulness and sustainability. The JackBord needed to be versatile, robust, and affordable for all school children, and suitable for teaching robotics.

It has been incredibly successful. Students love working with the JackBord and inventing their own robots. Kids access the JackBord via their chromebook, laptop or smartphone. Jack decided the JackBord needed to be Aluminium, rather than plastic, for durability and allow Jackano parts to be bolted onto it.

Current products are plastic and not repairable and are also typically very expensive.

Funding is now needed to take JackBord to the next level. We envisage the JackBord being widely available throughout New Zealand. A registered charitable trust has been established, the JackBord Trust (cc57106) to facilitate this. Our primary need is for the Trust to retain ownership and any profits fully retained to enable the JackBord to be further developed. Because of this, traditional methods of raising capital are not viable. Donations could be for general operations and development or for a specific project.