Anyone can dream about the future, but engineers are the ones who turn ideas and concepts into reality… We need more bright and passionate engineers.” – Minister of State for Defence Mohamad Maliki Osman
A team of four 17-year-old students were able to build a prototype of an eight –legged robot. The robot could help Singapore’s military defence in the future. It can carry ammunition on uneven terrain or help in enemy surveillance. It was a prototype from last year’s Young Defence Scientist Programme (YDSP) Congress wherein more than 400 students from different schools learnt research attachments and technology camps as part of defence science and technology.
Students were able to share their ideas on their experiences at YDSP Congress in an event held at Orchard Hotel last 21st April 2015. Sharon Tan, one of the creators of the robot, said that the project gave her applied experience in 3D printing. While Chen Ling, 16-year old student, attended a five-day camp that introduced her to concepts on space technologies. She together with her teammates were able to develop an “driverless” aerial vehicle as part of the camp.
YSDP is an annual programme, started in 1992. It is led by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and defence research organisation DSO National Laboratories.
“It celebrates the diversity of ideas it celebrates the diversity of ideas generated and research projects completed. Above all, it is a wonderful get-together session for all participants to share their experiences and memorable moments.” – www.dso.org.sg
Aside from the annual programme of YDSP, Singapore also has different programmes which can help students to learn more about creating the technology of the future. Through Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) Learning Roadmap, students will be able to learn different courses including Robotics. This will help empower the students for our future smart nation.
ACP is very pleased to be one of the most trusted ICT course providers having a total of 22 courses. With ACP’s Roboticist course, students will learn, build and experience the world of robotics using ROBOX. It is a holistic experiential learning package that promotes the practical way of learning classroom subjects through robotics. It offers complete hands-on approach fostering the spirit of teamwork to promote a well socially inclusive nation.