A surprising collaboration between students and engineering professionals. Young innovators are pushing the boundaries of technology. Their creations promise to transform local infrastructures.
In Belpre, four students from the local high school designed a culvert buggy, a remote-controlled vehicle specially modified to inspect over 13,000 culverts in Washington County. Thanks to their 3-D Printing and Robotics class, these students applied advanced technical skills, including assembly, 3D printing of specific parts, and electrical wiring. Under the supervision of Chad Folmer, equipment manager of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), they overcame various technical challenges, such as waterproofing electronic components against water. Their project is not limited to theory; they have already tested their buggy in the field, demonstrating its effectiveness and robustness. This initiative paves the way for future collaborations between the high school and ODOT, with the realization of an even smaller version planned for next school year. The students feel valued by this hands-on experience, reinforcing their passion for innovation and robotics.
In an inspiring example of collaboration between the educational world and local authorities, students from Belpre High School joined forces with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to develop a remote-controlled buggy designed for pipeline inspection. This innovative project, carried out as part of their 3-D Printing and Robotics course, perfectly illustrates how practical education can translate into concrete solutions for real challenges.
What were the main objectives of this collaborative project?
The initiative primarily aimed to create a specialized vehicle capable of penetrating pipelines to inspect them effectively. With over 13,000 pipelines in Washington County requiring regular inspections, ODOT was looking for a technological solution to facilitate this process. The remote-controlled buggy designed by the students needed to not only navigate tight spaces but also be equipped with cameras and lights to provide detailed images of the inspections.
Chad Folmer, equipment manager and purchasing officer of ODOT District 10, oversaw the project by providing necessary technical specifications. One of the crucial objectives was to transform standard remote-controlled buggy kits into sophisticated tools capable of meeting the specific requirements of pipeline inspections.
How did the students contribute to the design and manufacturing of the buggy?
The students, including Christopher Boso, Jayden Haynes, Adrik McLaughlin, and Keegan Marsh, played a central role in all phases of the project. Since September, they have worked closely with Folmer to assemble and modify the buggy. Their main task was to integrate components such as cameras and lights while ensuring the vehicle’s maneuverability in confined environments.
The process included 3D printing specific parts, soldering electrical components, and assembling the various sections of the buggy. Each step required meticulous attention to detail, as even small mistakes could compromise the overall functionality of the device. For example, Boso mentioned the challenges related to protecting circuits from water, a crucial issue for pipeline inspection.
Professor Jamey Erb, a teacher of 3-D Printing and Robotics, encouraged his students to see this project as an opportunity to link the skills acquired in class to real-world applications. This hands-on approach not only reinforced their technical knowledge but also developed skills in problem-solving and teamwork.
What challenges were encountered during the design of the remote-controlled buggy?
Like any ambitious technological project, the design of the remote-controlled buggy was not without obstacles. One of the main challenges was ensuring the water resistance of the electronic components. During tests in the pipelines, students had to ensure that cables and circuits remained protected from moisture, which required several iterations of prototyping and modifications.
Additionally, precisely fitting the 3D printed parts posed another major challenge. Marsh highlighted the importance of precision, noting that “even a millimeter off could ruin a project.” This led to the need to reprint some of the side paddles multiple times to ensure a perfect fit on the buggy.
Managing complex electrical systems also proved to be difficult. Students had to perform delicate soldering work and follow a wiring diagram created by Folmer to connect the various components of the buggy, such as the camera, lights, and transmission system. These challenges were overcome thanks to Folmer’s guidance, who encouraged students to find solutions on their own while offering technical support when necessary.
What impact has this project had on the students and the educational community?
This project has had a significant impact on both the students and the educational community of Belpre High School. For the students, working on a real project helped them develop practical skills in engineering, technology, and collaboration. McLaughlin expressed his gratitude by saying, “It was fun and rewarding to work on something concrete and make a tangible contribution to our school and community.”
Furthermore, this partnership strengthened the ties between the school and ODOT, paving the way for future collaborations. The realization of this remote-controlled buggy not only provided students with valuable experience but also offered ODOT an innovative solution for pipeline inspection, thereby improving operational efficiency in Washington County.
How is this remote-controlled buggy revolutionizing pipeline inspection?
The remote-controlled buggy developed by the students represents a significant advancement in how pipelines are inspected. Traditionally, these inspections require personnel in heavy equipment, which can be costly and time-consuming. With this buggy, ODOT can conduct more frequent and detailed inspections without the need for direct human intervention, thereby reducing associated risks and costs.
Equipped with high-definition cameras and light sensors, the buggy can navigate effectively in tight environments and provide real-time images of the internal structures of the pipelines. This capability allows for early detection of issues such as cracks, blockages, or deterioration, facilitating quick interventions before problems become critical.
Moreover, the modular design of the buggy allows for continuous improvements. Students and ODOT technicians can easily add or modify components based on the specific needs of inspections, making the buggy adaptable to different sizes and types of pipelines. This flexibility ensures that the tool can evolve with technological advances and the changing requirements of the department.
What future projects are envisioned following this success?
The success of this project has already opened the door to new initiatives within Belpre High School. Inspired by this experience, teachers plan to launch similar projects involving other technological and scientific disciplines. Additionally, ODOT is considering developing a smaller version of the buggy, intended to inspect air ducts and narrower pipelines near the school, thus demonstrating the project’s ability to adapt to different contexts.
The students are also excited about continuing the development of these technologies. Haynes, for example, looks forward to working on the smaller buggy next year, which will allow him to further enhance his skills in robotics and 3D printing. This project serves as a springboard for students, motivating them to pursue careers in technology and engineering fields.
Meanwhile, ODOT plans to expand the scope of this project by collaborating with other schools and departments to develop similar solutions tailored to various infrastructure needs. This collaborative approach promises to generate a series of innovative solutions that will benefit both local communities and the Department of Transportation.
Learn more about this innovative initiative
To find out more about this inspiring project and follow future progress, visit this detailed article. You will find additional information about the collaboration between students and ODOT, as well as updates on the future developments of this revolutionary remote-controlled buggy.
