A 13-year-old student from St Malachy’s College in north Belfast has developed a Lego robot capable of solving a Rubik’s Cube. This groundbreaking invention was made possible by the school’s new Creative Digital Technology Hub (CDTH), launched last year to foster digital skills among students.
Ruarcc, the young inventor, first began working on puzzle-solving robot prototypes at the age of 12, during his second year at school. His passion for coding and robotics was ignited by the CDTH, which provided students with access to advanced technological resources and opportunities to explore creative projects. “People tend to be amazed that it can solve one,” Ruarcc said, reflecting on the reactions his invention has garnered. “Now that it’s working, it’s really rewarding, and it feels great.”
The robot, which utilizes 5,000 lines of Python code, employs color sensors to detect the various patterns of a scrambled Rubik’s Cube and efficiently solves the puzzle from any pre-set variation. This impressive level of programming and problem-solving is a testament to the potential that young students can unlock when given the right resources and guidance.
Ruarcc’s journey from a novice to an aspiring software engineer highlights the importance of early exposure to digital skills and creative thinking. As he looks forward to a future career in the IT industry, possibly as a software engineer, his invention stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and the support of a forward-thinking educational environment.
The CDTH was established under the leadership of Paul McBride, the principal of St Malachy’s College. McBride envisioned converting an old lecture theatre into a dynamic space where students could develop digital skills that are essential in the modern world. His idea quickly gained traction, with support from the Belfast Charitable Society and the James Kane Foundation, both of which were instrumental in bringing the project to life.
Following the launch of the CDTH, the college introduced a new Key Stage Three curriculum that includes programming Lego robots using block-based coding. This curriculum has not only equipped students with practical coding skills but has also sparked a wave of innovation among the pupils. Clare McGrath, the senior leader for creative skills at the college, emphasized the importance of fostering creativity in students. “A few of the boys were given the chance to take kits home with them; I said, build what you want… impress me,” McGrath said. “He showed me it working; there’s 5,000 lines of Python code; no matter what way you mix it up, the robot will solve it, and it’s very impressive.”
The hub’s success extends beyond St Malachy’s College. It serves as a resource for pupils and staff from schools across north Belfast, enabling a broader community of learners to develop their digital skills. McBride shared his vision of the hub as a “real leveller” for the community, noting that “We have 10 or 11 post-primary schools from north Belfast coming here, and we want them all to use it. By the end of our third year, we’ll have 6,000 students and over 100 staff using the facilities.”
The impact of the Creative Digital Technology Hub is already evident in the achievements of students like Ruarcc, whose Lego robot is just the beginning of what the next generation of innovators can accomplish. As technology continues to shape the future, initiatives like the CDTH play a crucial role in preparing young minds to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. With continued support and investment, these creative spaces will help build the innovators of the future, driving forward a new wave of technological advancements born from the classrooms of today.
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