Final design and concept

•       The usage of black and blue colors were used as the color scheme for our robot designs.

•       As a black object absorbs all wavelengths of light and reflects none.

•       Thus able to absorb more solar power than any other color.

•       The blue shiny surface of the robot is coated with solar panel .therefore able to absorb the solar energy from all parts of the robot to ensure great in efficiency in the robot mobility.

                The robot also have its systems to change its forms just like the solar robots.

Why we choose the color blue and back for our final design. As we intend to install solar panels on the shiny surface of our robot, to take in solar energy from the sun, so our robot could operate using those solar energy. The color black absorbs all wavelengths of light and reflects none. Thus it is the best color for our model as we need its absorbing properties. What if there is no sun? We have investigated this problem and found out that even if the solar panel can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power.

Solar panel would still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. Therefore this robot we design is a safety robot to bring around to carry out the duties of taking care of the children.  This robot could also change to different forms in different situations.

In conclusion, our robot would be a good product to have to aid children in carrying their heavy school bags and also be equipped with high technologies.

•        

 

 

final design draft

As we were sketching the robot design, using some structural idea concepts from asimo of the exterior body form. We focused on the inner electrical system to the backpack solar system to the power source of the robot.

We emphasis more to the generating of power supply first. There are two colors coding of power supply system. The yellow signifies the connection of the backpack power supply to the rest of the robot system which also powers up the solar panel. The red signifies the main system of how the robot will move which also reboot itself up once it gets recharge from the solar panel system.

introduction of asimo robot

We were inspire by the Asimo robot to develop our design concept solution.We chose this because Asimo robot have a 130cm height. It is the same height as an primary school student, which makes a good relevant choice to our solution.

Selected asimo robot for our robot design

Asimo robot also have a high intelligent scheme built in their system. As it can forsee obstacles and it can evade them with their sencors.

Synchronizing with humans

With force sensors in its wrist,Asimo detects the strenght and direction of the force applied to its hands.

Stable movement

Asimo robot is very stable even when move suddenly.

Balance

Asimo robot also have great balance while walking. Which it is good as it would not puse as a health thread to children.

combination of our idea

Combination of solar robot and Asimo robot

As Asimo robot requires rechargeable electrical charging, thus it would be a problem in the households too much power would be required. Therefore we used solar panel from the solar robots to use solar energy from the sun. Which we would save plenty of energy. The solar robots can also change forms which is a system we want for our robot model.

By using the idea of the solar robots into the Asimo robot design.

We are able to create a robot that relies on solar energy to

Operate instead of high voltage of energy which may cause or harm

People. We also used the idea of the solar robots being able to change

Its forms in our new design of our robot. Therefore solving the problem of

Wasting too much electrical energy.

Case study of solar pannels

    What happens to solar panels when it’s cloudy or raining?

            Photostatic panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power, though they are most effective in direct sunlight. Solar panels will still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. Rain actually helps to keep your panels operating efficiently by washing away any dust or dirt. If you live in an area with a strong net metering policy, energy generated by your panels during sunny hours will offset energy that you use at night and other times when your system isn't operating at full capacity.

Rejection of robot designs

     Throughout the process of brainstorming the ideas, we have come up with this possible idea to further develop our in depth search for the solution to children bag’s too heavy. In this further analyzing the problem, we come up with Robotic gears, rejection ideas, solar robots.  Domestic robot and lastly combination of final product.

Why is it rejected? Though these ideas are great ideas to the topic but there is a disadvantage to it. The reasons are it is not practical, it use too much energy. Energy is consumed, it cost money and it is only available in the near future.

But we used gundam as one of our robot design as gundam is a toy robot replica that attract children of all ages, even some adults too. But however a gundam is not meant to serve the children as it has no functions like the domestic robots therefore Gundam became a rejected idea. 

in depth research on one of the solution

We suggest to bring this upon our design, was to create solar energy power supply. Which consist of designing a bag with solar panel surface of the backpack? Solar robots are known for assemble of gears and compartments of the gear itself. We were inspire by the ability to be able to change into six different robot which it is a part we want for our robot design so it can change to whichever mode is best in whatever situations.

This robots are equipped with solar panels on the

Surface of the toy. Therefore able to move using the absorbed solar energy from the sun.

It is able to change into different forms.

It is available in US and was sold as a toy kit to promote the introduction of solar energy to kids.

It is not costly either.

Research Method 4: Survey results

          87.36% of the people who did the survey voted that books are the main results of making the bags heavy.  However, I feel that necessities play a big part, but only 19.54% of student voted it. Students have to bring their pencil case, calculator, umbrella and many more, which they have to carry to school and back home.

         Whereas for books, they can keep it in the lockers provided by the school.   95.40% feels that 12 kg is too heavy for a school bag, which is equivalent to sack a rice. 3% voted for a no, probably because they have never carried a 12kg bag before.  96.55% agreed that heavy schoolbags are bad for children’s back. Which is true, as research has shown that it will develop a hump on the back in several kids, as well as symptoms, like neck pain, back problems, headaches, dropped shoulders etc.

       Some of the responses that I have obtained through the survey on ‘what the ways to make school’ are very helpful. E.g. 1. “Having free lockers and just about 2-3 lesson per day. Not to bring useless stuffs to school. It would be perfect if they will be loaned a gadget for studies (all textbook in IPad). “2. “

       With advances in technology; schoolbooks should be switched from hardcover to e-textbooks downloaded into e-gadgets. Schools can do away with textbooks with the use of interactive teaching through teaching outside the classroom “. Currently, some schools are practicing the use of e-textbook now, it may not be beneficial to all as some students have financial problem. E learning may also be a good idea as most students in Singapore have a computer at home, and for those students who does not have a computer at home, they can also learn through E-learning using the computers in the school’s computer lab.

        60.92% of the student voted yes for having back problems due to heavy bags. As mentioned above, back problems are one of the many symptoms that arise due to carrying a heavy schoolbag.

        62.07% of vote given to being furious if they were to be in a parent’s position when they see their child’s schoolbags too heavy because of school books. Any parents wouldn’t bear to see their kids suffer, yes, study is important but health is important too. 

        66.27% of the students are lazy to pack their bags. Probably because they rely too much on the lockers provided by the school, they just chunk everything inside and only before or during the lesson they will take their textbooks from the locker. 66.27% of the students agreed that school bags’ materials are the cause of the schoolbags being heavy. It really depends, as we have to see the design and quality of the bag. If it is genuine leather and the size of the bag is huge, obviously the bag will be heavy.

 Appendix

Question 1 what usually cause children’s school bags to be heavy?  4 choices: Lunch boxes 4/80 5%

Necessities   16/80      20%

Question 1 what usually cause children’s school bags to be heavy?  4 choices: Lunch boxes 4/80 5%

Necessities   16/80      20%

Books            69/80      86.25%

Toys               6 /80       7.50%

Gadgets         14/80     17.50%

Question 2 would you say 12kg is too heavy for a school bag?

Yes                  77/80       96.25%

No                  3/80          3.75%

Question 3 are heavy school bags bad for children’s back?

Yes                   78/80        97.50%

No                       2/80        2.50%

Question 4 what are the ways to make school bags lighter?

It is a response question. 69 attempted 11 skipped

Question 5 have you had any back problems due to heavy school bags?

Yes                     49/80       61.25%

No                      31/80       38.75%

Question 6 How would you feel if you were in a parent’s position when you see your child’s schoolbags too heavy because of school books?

Option 1           50/80        62.50%

Option 2          23/80         28.75%

Option 3          7/80           8.75%

Question 7 are you lazy to pack your bags?

Yes                    50/80          65.79%

No                    26/80          34.21%

Research Method 2 interview 3

Interview 3

Teacher’s point of view

Mr Edmund Teo

Zhonghua secondary school

Geography Department

He thinks that weight of school bag is acceptable.

Reason: In the past, the schoolbooks are thicker in size, now the schoolbooks are thinner or cut into parts. Schools also provides lockers now.

His own point of view: In Singapore there used to be two sessions in primary school so students are not allowed to leave their books under the table. Back then there were no lockers systems but there is now.

Schoolbags designs are partly the cause of schoolbags weight being heavy. It is due to the way how students carry them.

Fashion plays an important role of how children carry their schoolbags.

His style of teaching: when he gives notes to students. Thin notes are used instead of thick notes. As for example, notes are given to students in parts so they do not need to bring the whole stack of notes.

To a certain extend textbooks are the cause of schoolbags being too heavy for students.

Reason: students leave textbooks in school and home in order to reduce the weight of their schoolbags.

He also thinks that student’s schoolbags are not designed weight and not build ergonomically.

Reason: Hiking bags are more suitable for schoolbags, but it is too expensive so not normally used for schoolbag.  But students’ needs its features for their schoolbags.

Reason: Hiking bags are more suitable for schoolbags, but it is too expensive so not normally used for

Schoolbag. But students’ needs it features for their schoolbags.

The main reasons why he think children schoolbags is too heavy

Reasons: 1) Students refusing to pack their bags.

                 2) Lazy students do not want to pack their bags because they are not organized.

                3) “Kiasu” students will bring everything to school as they fear that they might get scolded by                          their teachers for not doing so.

                4) Bag designs are not to be blamed but it would be helpful if school bags have even more                                 compartment for students to organize for their schoolbags.

                5) In Conclusion, students are the main reason why schoolbags are too heavy.

Research Method 2 interview 2

Interview 2

Persona: Mrs Ng Peck Leong Chin

Teacher in Zhonghua secondary school

Mathematics department

Question 1: How old is your daughter and your son?

Answer: Her son is 6 years old and her daughter is 7 years old.

Question 2: Which school is your daughter currently enrolled in and does she have any complaints regarding the weight of her schoolbag?

Answer: CHIJ Kenlock. No as due to the facilities provided from the school, their teachers keep their schoolbooks. Except for some days where they follow a worksheet system.

Question 3: Do you think your daughter schoolbag is heavy?

Answer: her child schoolbag is acceptable.

Question 4: Does your daughter have a lot of homework? Does the load decrease or increase?

Answer: No, homework load does not decrease even due to the increase of subjects

Question 5: can your daughter complete her own homework?

Answer: Homework needed to be guided along by her to ensure complete submission for her daughter’sHomework.

Question 6: Do you carry your daughter’s bag or does she carry it herself?

Answer: Her daughter finds it comfortable to carry schoolbag on her own.

Question 7: Does your daughter bring her toys or other accessories to school?
Answer: No toys are allowed to be brought to school, only her lunch box

Question 8:  Does your children bring her toys or other stuff out when you bring them out with you?

Answer: Her children do not have the habit of taking stuff that is unnecessary practical purposes.

Question 9: What does your son have in his school bag?
Answer: His schoolbag contains a blanket, water bottle, extra clothing and lastly a story book.

Question 10: is your son schoolbag weight acceptable to you?

Answer: His school bag is acceptable.

Question 11: what bags does your son and daughter normally use?

Answer: Both of them uses haversack as they find it more comfortable.

Her point of view regarding this matter:

Her students do not complain about their weight of their schoolbags. Children have lockers to put their stuff. As currently now in most secondary schools, the teachers uses more notes instead of textbooks.

For certain teachers: Textbook designs: Some teachers would demand the teachers would demand the students to bring their textbooks to school every day.

Schoolbag weight is acceptable unless students can’t afford to pay for lockers. Therefore the schoolbag is heavy.

She personally used notes instead of textbooks for her students as it is lighter.

Her notes are considered acceptable in terms of weight.

As she is a mathematics teacher, the subject she is teaching is not content base therefore the weight of textbook is different. It depends on the teachers individually as different teachers have different teaching methods. She also admits that textbooks are heavy not just content base textbooks.

Research Method 2 interview 1

Persona:

Interview 1

Monsieur Christopher Age, 31 Parent (father of two children) Why do you think children’s bag are too heavy? I think they are because as i was driving my children to Anchor Green Primary school. I noticed my two daughter’s bag. Because I’ll carry their bags, it was so heavy. I can't imagined how, my poor daughters are suffering from back problems. Which brand of bags does your children use every day for school? They use SPI, I got them for about a year now. They are still in a very good condition. Does your child complains, about having back problems? Well one of my daughter is complaining about it. How did you prevent it from happening? Well I just organise my daughter’s textbooks in one box each, labelling the dates on their timetable. Which textbook to bring. This helps by minimizing the heavy workload of carrying everything at once.

Pros and cons about our combination of ideas

things that influence in our research

All this are the important information and details that was taken from anything that is related to robots. All this are influential in our work, my team and i would not have made it so far if there were no influences from these.

5 main ideas

 This are the five solutions that we’ve picked in our brainstorming of 101 ideas of solutions.

We chose the futuristic side of the 101 ideas. Why? In the future you may not know what’s going to happen in carrying a school bag to school.  To prevent the usage of carrying a bag, we suggested to take in this five ideas such as electronic flying backpack, Usage of tablets instead of books, microchip anti bullied robot, sci-fi chair and teleport machine.

Though only the usage of tablet instead of books, it’s the only solution to prevent from having back problems. The advantage of it is that, it’s convenient and lightweight to carry. And we can use minimal usage of books so that it would not cause heavy weight load.

Thus, by having the other four ideas, it is to prevent again from health problems.

 

 But however not all 5 ideas were be used as some of the solutions have more problems instead of solutions.

3. Design 101 ideas

1) Ipad
2) E-learning 
3) Burn the school
4) kill the teacher
5) ask maid to carry
6) bully people to ask them bring the books
7) everyday buy new books
8) parachute the books to school
9) bury the books
10) put in school
11) put inside locker
12)drive to school
13)carry laptop
14)use a horse to carry
15)carry flying bag-pack
16)teleport machine
17)hologram
18)webcam at home to classroom
19)spaceship to school
20)dont go school
21)dont study
22)using phone
23)using microsoft wares
24)air ballon bag
25)more storage in school
26)train pets to carry bag
27)invent lighter materials
28)electronic bag
29)robot
30)walking bag
31)flying bag
32)invention of jet
33)rocket
34)misslebag
35)bring lesser books
36)pack their bags
37)bring lagguage
38)roller bag
39)skateboard bag
40)floating bag
41)bag w wheels
42)hovercraft bag
43)1 day of school
44)delete school
45)bring thumbdrive
46)bring harddrive
47)bring laptop
48)insert micro-chip in brain (so can programme details in brain)
49)tumblr for school books
50)outdoor learning
51) movie to learn
52)eating books
53)drink burnbooks
54)ask teacher bring book
55)draw to learn
56)drive goldcart to school
57)drive to school
58)drive ur home to school
59)quit school
60)save paper no books
61)no cutting of tress = no books
62)microscopic books 
63)text
64)blog
65)drag to school
66)drive tank
67)make books into liquid form
68)flying fox the books to school
69)drive toy car
70)grow books
71)drive toy aeroplane for book
72)ask mother to bring books
73)flush books to school
74)bring one page of the book to school
75)dont bring books
76)dont bring anything
77)put at home after school go home refer
78)snapchat
79)instagram
80)video chat
81)MSN
82)whatsapp
83)sleep in school
84)fly to school
85)dont talk to her
86)eat medicine to memorise
87)kill myself
88)write on my body
89)one subject to study
90)2 days of school
91)ignore heaviness
92)not my problem
93)ask latisha to bring my bag
94)ask you to bring my bag
95)use spi bag
96)kick to school
97)ask spiderman bring
98)create flying book
99)give ang chiat bring to school
100)books delivery business
101)fedex