THE Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED) Robotics Club took center stage at the 9th Philippine Robothon last February 3rd at St. Paul College Pasig. Under the theme "F.U.T.U.R.E. (Filipinos in Unified Technologies, Unveiling Robotics Excellence)." 

Janeczka Svetlana N. Manio (STEM-S9C), Charles Will E. Albarracin (STEM-S9B), Kyra Nina A. Shrestha (STEM-S9D), Cyrus R. Aduana (HUMSS-H9A), and Oceana Viktoria S. Nebre (HUMSS-H9A) showcased their innovation and prowess, aiming to redefine excellence in robotics.

Robotic Cubs represented San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) in the Innovative Open Category with their project, ROAR: Robot for Animal Rescue. This consisted of two of their robots, “M.O.N.I.Q.U.A. (Mobile Operations Navigation Quadrupedal Utility for Animal Rescue),” and “N.O.A.H. (Nurturing  Operation for Animal Habitat),” which earned second runner-up. These robots aim to promote saving animals using modern-day advancements in technology. M.O.N.I.Q.U.A., their main robot, has a claw needed to rescue and retrieve the animals. It also uses a gas sensor to detect smoke or fire in the area, a radar sensor for identifying and locating targets within its range, and a compass sensor, which helps the robot navigate. On the other hand, their second robot, N.O.A.H., acts as storage for the rescued and retrieved animals, using a light sensor to signal the robot’s actions.

The team invented “ROAR” by analyzing the options from their category and thoroughly brainstorming with the members. They eventually agreed to choose a concept for their robot based on disaster response. THE BEDAN HERALD interviewed Manio and Albarracin, who shared their overall experience with the Robothon competition. “With the use of our robot, we can not only help aid in animal rescue during natural disasters but also provide convenience to its users as human volunteers, and their safety will no longer be on the line,” said Manio. It also became one of the team’s motivations to participate in the said competition. 

“From my experience, it took me a few meetings ‘til I got used to the environment. As I slowly got to connect with my groupmates and got to know them better, the environment became more comfortable, and I loved working with each member of my group,” said Manio. She considered collaborating with her group an enjoyable experience and expressed her gratitude to have them on their journey. 

The team’s journey in designing and building the robot had a bit of complications due to the lack of time to accomplish tasks and follow the given deadlines. With this, the team adjusted their original plans and features that they would include in their robot. Compared to their original plan, the Robotic Cubs could not add changeable wheels, solar panels, flotation devices, and infrared cameras for night vision and detection of heat signatures. The Robotic Cubs said they couldn't add these features since it was too complicated and needed a lot of time for researching, testing and buying materials. “We had a small time frame, and we did it during a busy time. However, we persevered, worked on it, and have come up collectively and worked diligently as a team,” said Albarracin. They also said that having an additional two to three months of preparation time would show the robot’s effectiveness and its applicability in a real-world scenario. “We could’ve won the entire thing only if we had more time to prepare,” he added. 

Regardless of the results, the team had an enjoyable experience working with each other and hopes to compete in the International Robothon with the same members that will be held this November. Their hard work and perseverance proved that they won the second runner-up title in the 9th Philippine Robothon and proudly represented SBCA.