Young Tech Scholars Program
This past summer, I participated in the Young Tech Scholars Program at Plaksha University in Punjab. The program was a transformative experience designed to immerse us in a problem-oriented approach to learning, rather than the traditional subject-oriented methods typically found in science education. Our journey began with classes that equipped us with the essential tools and knowledge to tackle complex projects. This foundation proved invaluable as we moved into the hands-on phase of the program.
I was assigned to a project called “Teleoperations,” where my task was to build a motorized toy car controlled through various means, such as gyroscopes, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. This project introduced me to a range of components integral to electrical engineering, including motor drivers, IMUs, microprocessors, microcontrollers like the ESP32 and Lilypad, motors, batteries, and ultrasonic sensors. Using Arduino microcontrollers and software, along with breadboards and intricate wire connections, I developed a car capable of remote operation.
Teleoperations
Throughout the project, I gained several new skills crucial for my future in electrical engineering. I learned C++ programming, soldering, and how to connect hardware to software. Understanding the intricacies of wire connections and the communication between electrical components further solidified my interest in digital signal processing. This experience also ignited my ambition to one day create teleoperation-enabled products for commercial purposes, blending technology with business.
But there are times when we assume that since something was said once, everybody remembers it, and we don’t really need to communicate it again, which most likely is a mistake.
Collaboration was key in this project. I worked closely with a team of three others, primarily focusing on coding the Arduino software and handling the electrical connections. My teammates managed the soldering and overall design aspects, ensuring the car was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The highlight of the program came when all teams in the teleoperations project competed in an obstacle course race. Out of fifteen teams, my team’s car ranked in the top three, showcasing our hard work and the effectiveness of our collaboration. This experience not only solidified my skills in electrical engineering but also reinforced the importance of teamwork in achieving complex technical goals.