High school students showcased their science and technology innovations on Saturday at the annual Students’ Achievement Fair at Preah Sisowath High School.
Grade 10 student, Kolsal Sohakvitu, showcased his “Robot Arm” at the event. He told Kiripost that robots will replace humans’ work that is less labor-intensive in the future in important industries.
“This robot is designed to replace human labor in some tasks, such as lifting heavy objects that affect human bones and health. This can help to improve safety and efficiency in the workplace,” he said.
The 16-year-old, social sciences inclined student explained that in Japan, one of Asia's most advanced industrial countries, robot arms are used in the automobile industry to lift heavy objects to heights that human workers cannot reach and interconnect with counter machines.
This initiative is a response to the 4.0 industrial revolution, which is the integration of intelligent, digital technologies into manufacturing to improve the efficiency and productivity of industrial processes.
Inspired by the progress of modern technology in developed countries on social media, Sohakvito was eager to take the initiative to develop a robot arm, believing that this innovation will help modernize Cambodia's major industries in the future. However, the development process was not without its challenges, and there were errors that took time to fix.
Rady Panuma, who is in Grade 9, graduated with a Solid Edge degree in Mechanical Engineering from Siemens Digital Industries Software in Germany. He told Kiripost about the potential of his Robot Scrara, a prototype technology concept, to demonstrate how it can be developed in the context of Cambodian industry.
The vastness of the science field gave him the opportunity to gain new insights and perspectives into technology innovation, which he believes will advance the Cambodian mechanics industry with its functionality.
“Robot Scrara is used to take and place objects in the industrial chain. For example, it can be used to assemble Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) or MFDs, which are devices that can be used to automate AC processes or improve speed regulation. It is a popular choice for this task because it is both versatile and efficient,” he explained.
Loun Soangkar Vattanac built a rubbish collection boat called the RC robot boat. It is focused on cleaning up the environment, especially trash that has accumulated in the water. This robot boat is deployed to collect waste more efficiently than humans.
“I believe that this robot initiative will make it more convenient to collect trash from the water. This is because some trash may be located in areas that are difficult for humans to reach, so we can order this robot to replace this difficulty,” he said.
Vattanac, a 17-year-old student with a lifelong passion for science, told Kiripost that his teacher's advice and support were essential to his achievement. He believes that this innovation will help advance his knowledge in the mechanical science field and contribute to the common good of his country.
Vong Aphirum, a Grade 7 student who dreams of becoming an engineer, was excited to show off his house building concept to Kiripost. He described the special uniqueness and modernity of his house design, and expressed his desire to see it built one day.
Science education is crucial for the development of any nation, and Cambodia should prioritize science studies in high schools. Firstly, science education equips students with critical-thinking skills that are essential for problem-solving and decision-making. By studying science, students learn to analyze data, evaluate evidence, and make informed judgments. These skills are not only valuable in scientific fields but also in various other professions.
Promoting science studies in high schools can help Cambodia address its developmental challenges. The country needs a skilled workforce to drive innovation and economic growth. By focusing on science education, Cambodia can produce more scientists, engineers, and researchers who can contribute to technological advancements and sustainable development.
Moreover, science studies foster creativity and curiosity among students. It encourages them to question the world around them and seek answers through experimentation and research. This fosters a culture of innovation that is vital for progress.
