Students Develop Military Prototype

5/20/2009

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Story Published: May 21, 2009 at 12:21 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 21, 2009 at 12:21 PM EDT

American troops serving overseas face many dangers on a daily basis. But, My TV 20's Dave Leval shows us why one way to protect them could be as easy as child's play.

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It's a science project, but, also a lot more. The "Seeker" is clearing a path that could help save the lives of American troops fighting overseas. The robot is demonstrating how it can find landmines. They are a deadly threat around the world.

Gordon Stein/Creator, "Seeker"
"70 people everyday is a big number, it adds up."

Gordon Stein is one of three Royal Oak High School students who created the "Seeker." The work began last January as the students prepared for the recent annual World Robofest Championship at Lawrence Tech University.

The "Seeker" finished second, but, the students walked away with something more valuable, an understanding of how serious a problem landmines are.

Julia Stavale/Creator, "Seeker"
"It takes at the very least, $.80 to make a landmine, and landmines are in 90 countries around the world."

The "Seeker" detects metal buried underground. It then sprays a dye that lets people know where the device is located.

Student
"This is an "AA" battery pack that powers the main controller board."

The "Seeker" is only a prototype, but, US military leaders are "seeking" out the robot for possible re-designing, and use on the frontlines.

Max Schultz/Creator. "Seeker"
"I thought after the competion we'd be done until next year. I didn't think we'd be progressing on it as much as we are."

It may seem like like child's play, but, it could soon help to save a life. In Clawson, Dave Leval, My TV 20 News at 10.

The students won a $1,000 grant from Warren's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. They are also in the process of trying to get a patent for their project. By the way, it cost the students about $140 to build the "Seeker."

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