From classroom curiosity to clever innovation, a young student at a government school is proving that big ideas can start with a small electronics board and an even greater imagination.
Ihsan Askhanani, a 12-year-old from Shakhoora, has developed a smart robot car with sensors that can help it change directions when it comes face to face with an obstacle.
Developed as part of the Digital Empowerment in Education Programme, implemented by the Education Ministry, Ihsan’s innovative idea was supported by the encouragement and guidance he received at Al Sehla Primary Intermediate Boys School.
“I have a lot of love and passion for the field of technology and the world of robotics,” said Ihsan. “I spend countless hours watching videos and tutorials and learning about the latest topics and inventions.
“When I had the opportunity to build something under the Digital Empowerment in Education Programme, I spent some time thinking about what I wanted to do.
“Based on what my interests are, I eventually decided to build a smart car. It took a lot of effort and countless hours of hard work, but I managed to create it and programme it using the Arduino board.
“It utilises sensors to gauge whenever an obstacle is in front of it, and then moves around it autonomously.”
He used an Arduino board, an open-source, beginner-friendly microcontroller with Internet tehnology serving as the ‘brain’ of do-it-yourself (DIY) electronics and robotics projects.
By reading inputs (via sensors and buttons) and controlling outputs (like motors and lights), it allows users to automate tasks and build interactive devices.
The smart car designed by Ihsan could potentially evolve into several practical real-world applications, especially because it already combines Arduino programming, sensors, obstacle detection, and autonomous movement.
Small smart cars could act as autonomous delivery vehicles and deliver parcels, food, medicines, or documents within schools, hospitals, campuses, factories, or residential compounds without human drivers.
The technology could support wheelchairs or mobility aids that automatically avoid obstacles and help elderly or disabled users navigate safely.
In the future, adapted versions could enter hazardous or collapsed areas where it may be unsafe for humans to go.
Ihsan explained that he is very happy about how the smart car turned out despite the challenges he had faced, which he was able to take on thanks to the support of the school.
“I needed to get my hands on the materials and the parts, which included motors, cable, wheels, a control board, and smart sensors. The school helped me and ended up providing me with what I needed.
“The programming was also challenging because it was more complex than what I had been used to at this point.
“The school teachers ended up supporting me with everything until I got the robot working as intended.
“I also joined extra robotic workshops after school to improve my skills and work on my weak points.”
Ihsan thanked the educators at his school for their tireless efforts and their guidance that allowed him to complete the project, and is excited to learn more in the future and develop his skills further.
“I received encouragement and motivation from the school administration, led by the head teacher Hussain Mohammed through the school’s Innovators Team and its support for talented students.
“I also received guidance from the technology teacher, Sameh Nassar, who provided me with continuous support and encouragement.
“In the future, I look forward to improving the robot car and its capabilities, and I am excited to see its potential.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))