Writes Mufaddal K. (L6ths)
Last Friday, a group of Sixth Form Design Engineering Technology students welcomed 98-year-old Malcolm Stern and his humanoid robot, Toby, to the department. The robot was started by Mr Stern as a hobbyist project, and now has 21 servo motors, working together to allow the arms, toro and upper body to move. However, due to deteriorating eyesight and dexterity, he has been unable to complete the incredible robot due to issues with the hip and ankle electrical connections.
After Mr Stern’s son, Jonathan Stern OMT, reached out to the school for help, a group of Lower Sixth students enthusiastically obliged, intrigued by the opportunity to help a member of our School community whilst learning invaluable engineering and electronic skills.
In just the first few days, the robot has already been carefully analysed, servo motor wires traced, software installed and components tested in the methodical process of figuring out the issues to be worked on. Currently, the group have been focusing on testing the servo motors – the muscles of the robot – and checking for freedom of movement which would enable Toby to stand up for the first time.
The eventual goal is to get Toby out of his chair and moving through a combination of advanced sensor clusters with gyroscopes and accelerometers for positioning, alongside calibrated software which would enable Toby to self-balance and eventually walk. A further challenge which has been set is the future addition of computer vision through cameras and depth sensors to attempt autonomous navigation.
Many thanks to Mr Willson and Mr Carlon for facilitating Toby to move into the DET department for his revitalisation treatment spa!
