The Department of Public Instruction has imparted training in robotics for 930 students in the district in 2014-15 under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme.
Ganapathi K., Deputy Convener of SSA, told The Hindu that to generate interest among high schools students about science and technology, the department had launched the project in the district in 2013-14. As many as 120 students underwent training during the year for which resources were mobilised from donors.
Proposal to MHRD
After the success of the project, DPI submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) seeking funds to impart training during 2014-15. The MHRD accepted the proposal and granted Rs. 9 lakh to Shivamogga district. As many as 930 students pursuing eighth standard at government schools were selected for the three-day training. Food and accommodation was provided for free for the trainees. Vesto Education Solutions, a private firm, provided technical support and the manpower for the training programme, Mr. Ganapathi added.
This year, training programme was held in 14 batches. Training for the last batch of 70 students will be held in Shivamogga from February 23 to 25, he said.
3-day training
Sumanth Prabhu, a trainer told The Hindu that on the first day, students get a hands-on training on the functioning of electronic components, circuits, sensors, semi-conductors and motors.
On the second day, an idea generation session is held. Students are asked to contribute themes and ideas for the project to programme the robots.
On the third day, a starter robot kit is provided to them with which they develop robots that discharge tasks like path following, obstruction and detection.
What they did
Syed Sha Saleem, another trainer, said that students were asked to prepare projects on issues related to their daily life.
Ismail, Rahul and Naveen, students from agriculture families in Anavatti village in Sorab taluk, worked on farm fencing sensor project. The robot they created can raise an alarm when animals try to enter the farm when there is a fire and it can also replace humans in the task of spraying pesticides, he added.
Students received hands-on training in electronic components,
semi-conductors
and motors
