Students create toy robotic car for boy with physical disability

The child’s therapist told the parents about Go Baby Go - a program that gives kids with physical disabilities modified cars. However, they didn’t have a chapter near Cilian’s home. And motorised wheelchairs are too expensive.

So the boy’s parents turned to the robotics team from the local high school and present them with the challenge of creating a robotic car for their son. They accepted the challenge and took action.

The students relied on plans and models from Go Baby Go, and modified a Power Wheels toy car to fit Cillian and give him more autonomy and freedom in his movements: they redesigned the joystick and customised the seat.

“I decided to get involved with the project because ... I wanted to help someone, and it felt really good in the end When he saw Cillian try the modified car for the first time. The joy on his face really made my entire year”, said one of the students.

The child’s parents usually carried him around or used a stroller. But since he got his new device, Cillian has more control over where he goes.

"When he gets in his car, he will consciously stop and look at a doorknob or a light switch or all of these things he's never had time to explore. It really helped his discovery and curiosity. Having the car has really given him the agency to make choices on his own. The modified car allows Cillian to practice for when he eventually qualifies via insurance to get a motorised wheelchair, which he will need to attend school", his parents explained.

Adapted from: https://cnn.it/2Jb9veQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwCL0BEUXjs