A Moorhead robotics team built a head-activated device to help a first-grader participate more fully in class. Now Amarah Ramirez can signal when she has something to say with a simple head tap.
Many students and families know how empowering it is to raise a hand and be acknowledged by a teacher. But for Amarah, that normal classroom gesture wasn’t possible—until a group of Moorhead High School’s Spudnik robotics members stepped in. Four students designed a mechanism that lets Amarah trigger a button by tapping her head, which in turn raises an LED hand display for all to see.
Senior Henry Heskin led the effort on the 3-D design, while teammates tackled programming and LED integration. Heskin explained, “She can press a tiny button with her head, and the display raises a hand—that’s the whole purpose of the device.”
For robotics coach Matt Craig, the project demonstrates a clear, real-world use of robotics: practical assistance that can empower individuals in everyday settings. “Robotics has tremendous potential to help people,” he noted. “This hand is a compact robot: a simple push of a button triggers the LED sign and a beep, signifying participation.”
The project has been deeply rewarding for the students. Heskin said enabling Amarah to engage in class made him feel proud and reinforced his belief that everyone should have the chance to participate.
Community members in Moorhead applaud the collaboration as a showcase of what can be accomplished when schools and students work together. Fremstad, the special education teacher at Ellen Hopkins Elementary, observed that the partnership illustrates the best of what communities can achieve when they unite to support a fellow student.
The device Amarah uses is a prototype installed in late November. The students are now refining a smaller, more efficient version tailored to her needs.
To learn more about the Spudnik robotics team or to donate to support future projects, visit https://moorheadrobotics.org/.
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