The Alliance High School Computing and Robotics Fair, an annual event that showcases the creativity and technical prowess of young minds, recently concluded with great success.
The fair, held at Alliance High School, brought together talented participants from various schools and institutions, including Alliance High School, Alliance Girls High School, South Tetu Girls High School, Kaloleni Boys High School, Nova Pioneer Girls, Nova Pioneer Boys, Strathmore University, The Presbyterian University, and individual tech enthusiasts. The diverse group of participants added a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere to the event.
Walter Ombiro, Head of IT and the Patron of the ICT Club at Alliance High School welcomed the participants of the fair saying, “We are honored to have such exceptional participants and sponsors joining us for this Robotics Fair. Together, we are inspiring young minds, promoting innovation, and shaping the future of technology.”
The fair, themed “Mitigating Against Theft,” aimed to encourage innovative solutions to address the prevalent issue of theft. Students were grouped into teams of five and presented their projects before a distinguished seven-judge bench. The judges, experts in the field of robotics and technology, meticulously evaluated each project based on various criteria, including innovation, functionality, and potential impact.
In the Post-High School Awards category, the top prize was awarded to “Jeff the humanoid robot” developed by a team of inventors who also created a groundbreaking bio-robotics prosthetic arm. This arm, operated by brain signals and made from recycled waste products, showcases their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their project stood out for its ingenuity, advanced technology, and potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
The High School Girls Awards category was won by Nova Pioneer Girls with their project “Safebox.” This innovative biometric locking system for student boxes and lockers incorporates two buzzers. One buzzer alerts administrators of any attempted unauthorized access, granting access only to the rightful owners. The other, a lengthier buzzer, sounds when access is denied, indicating an intruder. The sound is produced in the admin’s office, providing traceability and aiding in the prevention and resolution of theft cases. The Nova Pioneer Girls’ project impressed the judges with its practicality, attention to detail, and potential for enhancing security within educational institutions.
In the High School Boys category, Nova Pioneer Boys secured the top position with their project “Safe Pay.” This innovative e-wallet solution for student snacking money utilizes students’ admission numbers for access. Loaded by parents, the wallet can only be accessed by parents, canteen owners, and the specific student linked to the admission number. By eliminating the handling of hard cash in schools, this project effectively curbs incidents of money theft.
The judges commended the team for their creative use of technology to address a common issue faced by students.
Among the other notable projects, “Secure Eye” and “Digital Print Pro” by Alliance High School and the “ARubaini” project by Alliance Girls High School received recognition for their exceptional innovation and technical expertise. These projects demonstrated the immense talent and dedication of the students involved.
Following rigorous deliberation and evaluation, Nova Pioneer Schools emerged as the winners of the #AHSRoboticsFair2023, with their boys and girls projects securing top positions in their respective categories. Their commitment to excellence, innovative thinking, and remarkable problem-solving skills distinguished them from the competition.
During the award ceremony, the Principal of Alliance High School, expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments emphasizing the importance of fostering innovation and technological skills among students to prepare them for the ever-evolving digital landscape.
He said, “Technology is the next frontier. Let us embrace this new era of possibilities and continue to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve.”
Hillary Aguyo, the IT Director and Robotics Patron at Nova Pioneer Boys School, was elated with his school’s overall success and applauded the students for their exceptional achievements in mitigating theft through technological solutions. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the students, mentors, and teachers, highlighting the vital role of education in nurturing future technology leaders.
The impact of the Alliance Robotics Fair extended beyond the awards and recognition. Linux, an IT training facility that offers mentorship, pledged to train ten boys on Linux computing skills. Five students from Alliance High School, the second runners-up, and five students from Nova Pioneer Boys, the overall winners, will benefit from this valuable opportunity, further enhancing their technical capabilities.
Furthermore, the Nation Media Group, through its Newspaper in Education plan, pledged a year-long supply of newspapers focused on education to the two best-performing schools, Alliance High School and Nova Pioneer Boys School. This initiative aims to provide students with additional learning resources and promote a culture of knowledge and curiosity.
The Alliance Robotics Fair, now in its third year, continues to inspire young minds, foster innovation, and cultivate a passion for robotics and technology. Although the event faced a temporary halt due to the challenging circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it returned in full force in 2023. Going forward, it will remain an annual highlight, providing a platform for students to showcase their skills, collaborate, and drive technological advancements.
