Fifteen schools and science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) clubs were participants in this year’s National Robotic Exhibition on Saturday, and a number of innovative projects were on display at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
These clubs and other technological agencies across Guyana took the opportunity to showcase their robots which were built with a specific focus in mind: to eradicate some common problems in the environment and society.

Leading the exhibition was Guyana’s very own STEM team, which served as a pilot for upcoming inventors to gauge their interests into effective robotic creations. These individuals were also given a chance to develop communicational and problem-solving skills, as well as foster involvement in collaborative projects.

Present at Saturday’s activities was Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, who lauded the coordinators for their inputs into the exhibition, and said he believes technology is the way forward for Guyana.
Guyana Times caught up with some of the students as they showcased their robotic creations. Members of the Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) noted that this is their first year at the exhibition, and their robot was constructed by primary school students. While the invention was a simple one, the students stated that they’re using the exhibit to gain ideas which can help to enhance their robot.
“We’re in the first and basic stage of robotics. We’re dealing with primary school kids, and within one week the kids used four days to put together the robot. We’re now learning how to programme the robot,” said Lisa Khan.
Tyrique Wilson of the Belladrum STEM Club noted that this is a way to publicise their robot and entice more persons to join the club.
“We made a crane. We wanted to push how far we can go with the actual kit, and we decided to make a crane that is fully functional, and we created programmes for it,” he explained.
The St Rose’s High School also presented a device to water small gardens. It functioned by detecting the colour of the leaves of a plant, and supplying that plant with a suitable amount of water.

The most spectacular robot was created by the Three Miles Secondary at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). It was designed to solve a Rubix cube using sensors to detect the spectrum of colours.
In most instances, the robots were made from locally sourced and recycled materials, and took a maximum of one week to complete. This is one of the many initiatives which have been organised by STEM Guyana to advance the level of technology while providing training for youths.

Source: GUYANA TIMES