Four Punjab government-school students build a Wi-Fi robot car and facial-recognition attendance system; projects set for district technology fair

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(AI Image) Four students from a government school in Amritsar have developed two technology projects using resources available in their classroom: a Wi-Fi-controlled robotic car and a facial-recognition attendance system.

The projects have been created by learners of Government Senior Secondary School, Bhangali, and are scheduled to be presented at a district-level Digital Innovation Tech Fair on November 18.The students behind the projects are Gurnaz Kaur, Kushpreet Singh, Harmandeep Singh and Manjot Preet Singh.

While Harmandeep and Manjot worked on the robotic car, Gurnaz and Kushpreet developed the attendance system. According to a report by local media outlet Indian News Trust, teachers have been helping the students refine their models ahead of the exhibition.How students built a Wi-Fi-controlled robot car Harmandeep Singh and Manjot Preet Singh developed a robotic car that can be operated through a mobile phone, without requiring a separate remote control.The model uses an ESP32 board, four DC motors, an L298N motor driver and a battery pack.

The board creates a Wi-Fi network that users can connect their phones to. They can then use controls on an app or webpage to move the car forwards, backwards, left or right.The students' model is reported to operate from a distance of around 30 to 50 metres.

The project also has scope for further additions. A camera could allow users to view live footage on a mobile phone, while obstacle-detection sensors could help the car stop when it encounters a wall or another obstruction.

These are potential upgrades rather than features confirmed to be working in the current model.Teachers Arvinder Singh, Navjot Singh and Harvinder Singh guided the students during the development of the project, according to the local report.Facial-recognition system records attendance in Excel The second project, developed by Gurnaz Kaur and Kushpreet Singh, aims to reduce the time spent on taking attendance in classrooms.The system uses a camera to identify students' faces.

When a student appears in front of it, the software reportedly recognises the face within two to three seconds and displays the student's name on a screen. The attendance entry is then recorded in an Excel sheet along with the date and time.The digital record could make it easier for teachers to check attendance and generate monthly reports.

Facial recognition may also make it more difficult for one student to mark attendance on behalf of another, although the system's accuracy and reliability have not been independently verified.The technology could have applications beyond schools, including colleges, offices and factories, where attendance records need to be maintained.Projects to be presented at district-level technology fair The two models are scheduled to be showcased at the district-level Digital Innovation Tech Fair on November 18 at a meritorious school in Amritsar.

The event is being organised under the Punjab Education Department's Mission Raftaar initiative, with students from 27 schools in the district expected to participate, according to Indian News Trust.The school has been preparing the projects for the exhibition, with teachers helping the students refine their work.

The initiative offers learners an opportunity to demonstrate how classroom learning can be applied to practical problems using accessible technology.For the four students from Bhangali, the fair will provide a platform to present their work to a wider audience and receive feedback on their ideas.

Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Sanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in the media industry. Currently serving as Assistant Editor - Education at TimesofIndia.com, he specializes in education-related content, including board results, job notifications, and studying abroad.

Since joining TOI in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s digital presence and spearheading major education events. Previously, Sanjay held leadership positions in sports journalism, covering high-profile events such as the Cricket World Cup and Olympics.

He holds a PG Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and is proficient in various content management systems. He can be reached at - sanjay.sharma@timesinternet.in Bengaluru’s Rs 1,017-crore ETCS signalling system for the suburban rail project will cover corridors 2 and 4, with 51 three-coach trains set to run at speeds of up to 80kmph; here’s everything you need to know about the new system, routes and train rollout