Felix and Sophie Sacher Qualify for the WRO World Finals in Singapore with Their Robotics Project
Felix and Sophie Sacher, a pair of siblings from Steinmühlen School, have shared some amazing news with us: At the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), the ninth-grader and fifth-grader qualified for the world finals in Singapore in the “Future Innovators” junior group with their project “Ice Bär – I care everywhere.” From November 26 to 28, up to 500 teams from 80 countries are expected to compete there.
Project Description
It is the central component and also serves as the title of her project: “IceBär – I care everywhere.” The “IceBär” is a highly complex system for this age group, consisting of various modules and biometric sensors. An AI-based stuffed bear with an integrated ECG and computer serves as a multifunctional assistant—complete with a “wheelchair license”—in the daily lives of chronically ill children as well as in emergencies. The target groups are young migraine sufferers, young people with heart conditions, and young people with mobility impairments. The technology provides a cooling function for migraines when needed or, in the case of heart problems, important cardiac readings, which it can also transmit. Through a voice function powered by generative AI, it can also provide emotional support. The combined electric wheelchair can start and stop, and the IceBär responds to voice commands.
Two Jack-of-all-trades
The two young inventors came up with the entire technical design and even tailored the IceBear’s shaggy plush fur themselves. The IceBear is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 17. It could be used at home, in children’s hospitals, or in emergency medicine. The Sacher siblings, who have given themselves the double-entendre name “Team JustUs” (just us—or, in Latin, “just”), envision numerous applications and opportunities for further development of the system.
A victory by a wide margin
In the competition, the “Future Innovators” teams were tasked with developing a robotic solution that combines AI with robotics to improve people’s lives. “Out of a total of 111 teams in Future Innovators Germany, we were the only ones left in our ‘Junior’ age category at the German finals, and we’ll be representing Germany at the world finals in Singapore,” Felix and Sophie say happily. The siblings had already impressed the jury during the qualifiers for the German finals in the “Junior” age group, taking first place by a wide margin.
27-page document
In the competition, projects must be presented using working models, and technical questions must be answered on the spot. Entries were evaluated using a detailed evaluation form across various sections and categories: the idea, the technical solution, the presentation, and teamwork.
According to the jury, the project was not only presented in an outstanding and confident manner, but was also documented with impressive professionalism. Steinmühle had the opportunity to review the 27-page documentation, which was produced to the highest standards and demonstrates that young people are pursuing this project with heart and soul, convinced of its practicality for everyday use.
Fascinated by medical professionals and STEM teachers
Felix and Sophie have already interviewed several medical experts across Germany about their project, and they were encouraged by these experts to present it on the international stage. The STEM teachers at Steinmühle were also fascinated by the project when it was tested “live” at the school.
We’re curious to see how the IceBear’s journey will unfold and whether it will find supporters who might one day help bring it to market.
