Faces to Watch

Kent Quirk '82 and Kim (Smith) Quirk '82, Th '83, deserve "a Nobel Prize for making programming simple, fun and intuitive," according to GameRankings.com. In the couple's new computer game, Mind Rover, players assume the role of one of a group of bored engineers on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. To pass the time, you "re-outfit" intelligent robotic vehicles with different chassis and components and then "wire" them to race around hallways and battle it out with mini-lasers and rocket launchers. Since conquering Europa, the Quirks are next gunning for your living room. "The technology underlying Mindßover has applications not only in computer games but also in robotics," says Kent. "Imagine being able to create a robot vehicle, simulate it on the computer screen, and then plug that robot's 'brain' into a toy that can run around your living room." Test drive a mini-Mind Rover or compete with other designs at the Quirks' company Web site, www. cognitoy.com.