Robot that can detect 'botcha' is PHL entry in int'l tilt

A Philippine-made robot that can detect botcha (double dead or tainted) meat is the Philippines' entry to the 2012 FIRST Lego League (FLL) in Missouri this April.

 

Team DYCI Blue Ocean 10 from the Dr. Yanga’s College, Inc. (DYCI) in Bulacan will field Meat’s Anti-Germs and Infection Solution Version 2 (MAGIS Version 2) in the tilt.

 

MAGIS Version 2 is a robot the students created and designed using LEGO NXT controllers which can detect contaminated meat.

 

It is equipped with thermal and color sensors that can recognize if the meat is still good for consumption.

 

Students comprising the team that created the robot include Team Captain Gladys Leigh Malana, 16; Tricia Carmela Santos, 14; Ramikert del Prado, 15; Michelle Arcanar, 13; Kate dela Cruz, 13; Lady Alein Goleng, 15; Jules Martin Agsaoay, 15; Jonathan Alejandro, 15; Dave Adrian Bien, 13; and Tim Jhalmar Fabillon, 12.

 

Coaching the team are Beryl Jhan Cruz and Romyr Gimeno, their teachers from DYCI.  The team will be accompanied by Felta Multi-media Inc. President and CEO Mylene Abiva and DYCI Vice President for Academic Affairs and High School Department Principal Michael Yanga.

 

Science Education Institute Director Dr. Filma Brawner wished the Philippine contingent the best in their participation in the FLL.

 

Brawner expressed hopes the experience will entice the students to venture into careers in science in the future.

 

“We congratulate the DYCI Blue Ocean 10 for making it to the FLL and we are optimistic that you would bring honor to the Philippines as you join the international competition,” she said.

 

“It is our hope that our students will be able to use this experience to get into careers in science in the future,” she added.

 

Brawner added competitions provide a good venue for students to show their talents and excel in what they do.

 

“Competitions become a test bed for our students where they try to outwit, outlast and outplay others through their skills and intellect in science and mathematics.  We are positive that this experience will bring out the best from our students,” she said.

 

The FIRST Lego League, where the Philippine contingent will be competing, is organized by the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), headed by American inventor Dean Kamen.

 

For this year, the theme "Food Factor" explores how to keep food safe for human consumption.

 

In 2009, the Philippines won in the FIRST Robotics Competition Hawaii Regional Competition the Rookie of the Year and the Highest Rookie Seed Awards when it fielded Larry Labuyo, a robot created by the Philippine Science High School Team Lagablab (FRC Team 3105), to the game Lunacy. — TJD, GMA News