Advocating on Renewable Resources Through Robotics

Technology is a global innovation that keeps on growing and evolving. For as long as I remember, I would always be fascinated and interested in new inventions and gadgets. I grew up in an age where society is dependent on technology for various reasons, including communicating, creating, and working. I would always ask myself, "How does this gadget work?" and "What is the purpose of this piece regarding the whole invention?", this long-lasted curiosity lead to my current interest in engineering and robotics.

My love for robotics started in movies, especially 'Real Steel' and 'Star Wars.' Ever since I was a child, I always loved science – fiction because it gave a glimpse of the future. Most science – fiction movies had robots in them, and the way these robots were appraised enamoured me. This made me wonder, "What are robots going to look like in our future?", "What are the costs?" and "Is it inherently possible to create this being with our current resources?". I made it my mission to answer these questions.

Through research, I concluded that it was possible to create a robot in the 20th century but at a cost. According to an academic journal by Martin Roeb, the appearance of new technologies stem from non-renewable resources, the usage of the resources is quite harmful to our planet. Therefore, a healthy alternative would be renewable resources. However, according to a survey I created, a majority understand the importance of renewable energy. However, little to none are implementing it in their daily lives as they do not know how to. The results of this survey assured me of the need for my product to this community and society. I decided that my project would be to create a robot that utilizes renewable energy. I would also include a manual explaining how the robot was made, the benefits of renewable resources, and how to apply these resources. For this project, I would be utilizing solar panels. My goal is to research and learn engineering and robotics. Then designing and creating a solar-powered robot that can move freely, accompanied by a booklet that expounds on renewable resources and elucidates on the product.

Global Context

The global context of my project represents Scientific and Technical Innovation. By building a robot and making a manual, I analyze the impact of scientific and technological advances on the environment. To raise awareness of renewable resources, I first have to grasp the topic thoroughly and make consumers aware of the need for renewable resources. Research on the negative impact of non-renewable resources has on the environment is vital. The main goal is to save the planet and sustain technological advancements; to do this, renewable resources must become a norm. All in all, my project analyzes how the world works, specifically technological advancements, and at what cost.

Product

The final product is a robot with full mobility and full LED light controls for the user. The robot is powered by a solar-powered battery charged by a solar panel and module I have created alongside my product. Apace with this booklet, I have created an in-detail narrative regarding my robot and an original composition regarding the environment and its resources.

Through my final products, I have achieved my goal with tremendous efforts. I was able to learn robotics, create a solar-powered robot, and an informational manual. My products are also able to respond to the global context of scientific and technical innovation. Through creating a robot, I have understood how humans use their understanding of scientific principles. Creating the manual has helped me explore the interaction between people and the natural world and analyze the impacts of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments. I have created a fully functional solar-powered robot, a detailed and well-designed manual, which I could not have been prouder of.

Read my booklet below!

Reflection

While working on this project, I have acquired a better understanding of the global context chosen Scientific and Technical Innovation. By conducting in-depth research on an area of interest, I have learned many new skills and information. I feel as I have grown a lot in this process.

Through the continuous research done for this project, I was able to expand my knowledge. Through online courses, I learned how to build a robot and learn how to code. Through in-depth research, I was able to study the impact of scientific and technological advances on the environment. I learned how our everyday choices affect the environment and how we can change for the better.

This project has helped me become a better person, but I can gain an array of new skills. Productivity and focus were the biggest of them all. Usually, I would let the pressure of deadlines motivate me to work, but since this project takes over six months, I had to generate new systems to keep me motivated and working. I had to understand myself better to create that system. This system has helped me focus by giving me the necessary rest and has helped me be productive by creating motivations based on incentives. Additionally, constant communication created a bond with a variety of people.

Coding and designing was also a technical skill that I have picked up on through this journey. Instead of just sketching, the design has revealed a whole new platform for me. By using Adobe applications, I can create 3D models of my design. I was able to experiment with different designs and essentially use my art background. Coding taught me how to be meticulous and respect the process. Coding was trial and error, I needed all the appropriate symbols in the right places, and I needed the correct spelling and format. Needless to say, I have learned a lot during this process.

IB Learner Reflection

As an IB learner, I am continuously improving myself for the better. I have implemented numerous IB learner profiles throughout this project, mainly balanced, inquirers and communicators. These profiles have helped me go through my project.

As I was creating a system for self-management, I have shown that I was balanced. This system is in place to ensure physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being and create mass productivity. By maintaining my well being, I can give it my all in creating my project. By understanding myself and my emotional quota, I believe my self – management skills and motivation have significantly improved.

My project aims to raise awareness of renewable resources. To successfully do this, I need to be able to be curious about our environment. I need to acquire new skills to create my robot, thus being an inquirer successfully. This project was a project of my liking. I have a natural curiosity to learn about robotics and to show independent learning regarding this topic. I actively enjoy learning about robotics, and this love will sustain me as it will be my college major.