From a prototype for a competition to meeting the President of India Droupadi Murmu, humanoid robot Sasha’s journey has been incredible.
A robotic workshop for students organised by the Science department of SKV Gwalior planted the seed of love and curiousity for AI. A team of 23 students guided by their mentor Ms. Geetanjali Rajput and with continuous support of the principal went on the create the first humanoid robot of the school, fondly named “SASHA”.
For this project, the students collaborated with Robocoupler, a robotic company for guidance. From inception to completion, this project took nine long months. During this period, the team not only used their technical skills but also developed entrepreneurial skills. To meet the financial aspect of the project, the school supported with the initial expenses. However, there was a long way to go and lot of financial assistance yet needed. The students brainstormed and came up with a genius idea to arrange the remaining 80 percent of the finance. A part of this was contributed by the team members while the remaining was came from multiple fundraiser events hosted at the school where they sold needlework items from embroidered table runners to dupattas, cushion covers, sculptures, cakes, chocolates and art pieces, all made by the students of the school.
Finally, Sasha was ready to be introduced to the world; she was unveiled on November 2022 during the very auspicious “Srimant Madhavrao Heritage Dharohar Fest”
Sasha stands 5’2” feet tall and weighs 40 kg. The voice assistant fitted in her is programmable through the Amazon app and coded via Python and Arduino. She has four body parts – upper, frock (lower), hands and head. The lower part of the body has torque motors, castor ball and wheels. The ROBOPI is placed inside the body and the servomotor is connected with the head and hands. She can turn her head around and even move her hands 90 degrees; the eyes consist of LEDs. The infrared sensors help to avoid damage to the body, a tablet is placed on the chest, which can be coded with the help of python.
Sasha serves as a tour guide, teacher’s assistant and also will be on surveillance from time to time. She has had the privilege to meet and inspire may guests, dignitaries and students of different schools from India & abroad who have come to SKV.
Finally on July 14, 2023, Sasha with her team leaders, Innora Dasgupta and Arya Pathardikar, students of grade XI, had the honour to meet the President of India Shrimati Draupadi Murmu on her visit to Gwalior along with other dignitaries who graced the occasion.
This project has not only raised awareness and interest in AI and the IT domain but also encouraged and empowered young minds to take initiatives and become entrepreneurs.
Contact info:
Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya
Moti Mahal Road
Gwalior – 474007
0751 2322137 / +91 7828102626
www.skvgwalior.org
[email protected] / [email protected]
Also read: SKV Gwalior: Sankalp – One Undertaking, Many Outcomes
