He learned to build intelligent robots to explore the ocean

For more than a year of research, Pham Khac Phi Long's pupil (grade 11 student, Gia Dinh High School, Ho Chi Minh City) has successfully created a product called "Fitz" robot.

In the form of a turtle, this intelligent robot is capable of diving at depths of 60 meters, helping to locate and detect objects deep in the sea.

Control diving dive robots

Sharing about the name "Fitz" robot , Phi Long said that it stands for "Intellignet turtle zero" . With a passion for creativity, Phi Long wishes to create a technology-intensive product with practical applications. Product developed with the aim of supporting diving. Robots designed with cameras, helping geologists to record targets for searching or defining paths to draw 3D maps under the sea.

Phi Long had the opportunity to read and consult the scientific article about divers swimming deep in the sea looking for sinking objects deep in the ocean. From there, he thought: why didn't I create a product that replaced people at dangerous and friendly depths without harming shrimp and fish? Thinking of doing it, in September 2015, the pupil began tinkering, searching for suitable devices to create hardware and software.

Pham Khac Phi Long participated in "Young Patent Festival 2016".

In order for the robot to move in the country, Phi Long designed two main parts: the main fin and the rear tail. In particular, the main fins play a role in helping the robot move stably in the water. The rear tail section contains the ability to navigate the road space, helping the robot move up and down, left and right.

"Smart machine turtles" design two custom control modes: Auto (automatic) and manual (manual). When automatic mode is activated, the robot will compare the programmed path and follow it. For manual control, users will build a path algorithm with the right speed and speed. Then, use the controller to specify the robot to move at will.

Robot is connected to control device by sensor "chip" via GPS positioning. This innovation helps robots process information quickly, move flexibly, automatically balance space.

"In front of the robot, I designed a camera with 16MP resolution (megapixels). When moving, the robot will record the underwater image and show it clearly on the controller screen. 3 meter range, 'Smart machine turtle' will stop, avoid collision and wait for the operator's order, the device has the ability to move freely under the sea at a depth of about 60 meters, " explained Phi Long. .

Overcoming challenges

In order to produce products, Phi Long received support from his family about creative costs. In terms of technology knowledge, the boy explores materials and books himself and asks the experienced brothers to create instruction. A passion for science, Phi Long arranges a balance of time between study and research. In the evening, after completing the homework, the friend sat and tried to assemble the device himself.

Phi Long enthusiastically shared how robots work with people.

The difficulty of this creation is that the parts made of metal, which are easily damaged by water. Therefore, Phi Long had to research and find a way to overcome when the water entered. The product has undergone 2 improvements."For the first time, it's okay to test robots in the house. Experiment in the swimming pool, the equipment with water is burning. The second time, I designed the structure of the parts with the gap so the water spilled into it. To solve this problem, the outer parts are coated with aluminum plating to prevent abrasion and impermeability.In the inside, I use plastic blocks and conduct hollow drills. 'rubber to waterproof, protect each part ,' Phi Long said.

After "overcoming" the hardware, Phi Long continued to experience problems in software programming. He said that programming is quite a lot of errors. Phi Long calculates the parameter or balance value of the wrong sensor "chip" . So, he had to ask for help from the brothers and sisters. In order for the product to be aesthetically pleasing, Phi Long invokes the idea of ​​designing a turtle-shaped, environmentally friendly robot . "The big parts are machined by machines at the mechanical workshop. Small details such as snail joints ., I assemble them by hand. In the first time, I was struck by a drill, bleeding. obstacles, I do not feel discouraged but continue to be creative After all, I am familiar with the way of technical processing, the products are more polished and perfected, " Phi Long boasted.

For more than a year of efforts, Phi Long has successfully created the "intelligent machine turtle first version". Robotic devices use 5000 mAh battery power. Time to use continuously for 5 hours. In the near future, Phi Long will research and improve robots in terms of weight, durability, and travel distance. And Phi Long also designed more functions: taking objects, controlling robots to follow the objects that they want to find .

The innovative product "Fitz" robot (Smart Machine Turtle first version) of Phi Long has won several awards:

1. Second prize at "Science and Technology Research Competition for high school students in HCMC" (2015 - 2016)
2. Second Prize at "Young Patent Festival 2016" (Young Makers Vietnam 2016)
3. Second prize "HCMC Youth Innovation Contest 2016, 2016"
4. Second prize "2016 National Young Computer Competition".