Before a single grade eight student in Ontario touches a lathe, they're putting on a VR headset and learning a machine shop that isn't real yet. Kris Abel walks through the first school in the country to try it, plus a zoo with no live animals and a soccer match played entirely by humanoid robots.

VR Before the Real Machines

Kris Abel explains how Fletcher Creek Senior Public School built a virtual machine shop so students learn safety habits, like putting on glasses before a machine starts, without any real risk. He also shares what growing up in his father's machine shop taught him about spotting a dangerous workspace.

Robots That Actually Play the Game

From there, Kris Abel describes a traveling zoo made entirely of animatronic animals, funded by cookie sales instead of ticket prices, and a humanoid robot soccer match in South Korea that turned out far more entertaining than expected.

Topics: VR shop class, animatronic zoo, humanoid robot soccer, machine shop safety, tech news

GUEST: Kris Abel | krisabel.com | @realkrisabel

Originally aired on 2026-07-14

Before a single grade eight student in Ontario touches a lathe, they're putting on a VR headset and learning a machine shop that isn't real yet. Kris Abel walks through the first school in the country to try it, plus a zoo with no live animals and a soccer match played entirely by humanoid robots.
VR Before the Real Machines
Kris Abel explains how Fletcher Creek Senior Public School built a virtual machine shop so students learn safety habits, like putting on glasses before a machine starts, without any real risk. He also shares what growing up in his father's machine shop taught him about spotting a dangerous workspace.
Robots That Actually Play the Game
From there, Kris Abel describes a traveling zoo made entirely of animatronic animals, funded by cookie sales instead of ticket prices, and a humanoid robot soccer match in South Korea that turned out far more entertaining than expected.
Topics: VR shop class, animatronic zoo, humanoid robot soccer, machine shop safety, tech news
GUEST: Kris Abel | krisabel.com | @realkrisabel
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-14

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.