In a world where creativity meets technology, Grade 11 innovators Ethan Curtis and Elmond Aphiwetsa have transformed an ambitious idea into a beacon of sustainable ingenuity. These trailblazing students have already won the BC Game Developers Innovation Award as well as finishing 2nd overall winning the StarFish + Russel Books Award at the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair. Now they're gearing up to take on the national Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton, New Brunswick at the end of May. Their AI-powered invention, Oscar AI, is set to shine on the national stage and ignite imaginations across the country, proving that sometimes, even a recycling sorter can take a page from Sesame Street, earning its name from none other than Oscar the Grouch.
The journey of Oscar AI was fuelled not only by a relentless "what if?" spirit but also by a personal connection to global environmental challenges. Elmond’s inspiration for the project is deeply rooted in his experiences back home in Thailand where recycling practices differ greatly from those here on Vancouver Island. Witnessing the guesswork involved in sorting materials, he envisioned a tool that would remove the uncertainty and streamline recycling, transforming everyday waste management into a smart, sustainable solution. This international perspective added an extra layer of meaning, proving that innovation knows no boundaries.
The marvel of Oscar AI
At its heart, Oscar AI is a seamless blend of cutting-edge software and robust hardware. A top-mounted camera and precision motors work together to automatically sort items into the correct bins. The journey from concept to prototype was powered by relentless problem-solving, starting with a basic cardboard model crafted from laser-cut components, and evolving into a sleek, functional design refined with acrylic sheets and upgraded motors. And while the project’s technical evolution was impressive, its physical logistics proved to be a whole different beast. In a dash against time, the duo humorously had to resort to last-minute modifications: cutting apart their bulky creation just to make it fit into a car, and finding a temporary home in the Harvey House common room. It was a true case of innovation meeting improvisation!
Their Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair experience was far from a quiet walk in the park, it was a high-energy showcase filled with spirited problem-solving and mutual support. Amid an atmosphere charged with innovation, Ethan and Elmond gathered valuable insights from industry professionals, who not only applauded their technical prowess but also offered candid feedback on refining the project further.
Between moments of technical brilliance and the challenges of coordinating hardware with software, like going through multiple Raspberry Pi single-board computers and overcoming mechanical setbacks, the pair found that their shared passion had only grown stronger. Their seamless collaboration, balancing each other’s skills in programming and engineering, exemplifies how collective curiosity and commitment can lead to breakthroughs that resonate well beyond the classroom.
Looking toward the future
With nationals on the horizon and a week-long intensive program awaiting them on the East Coast, Ethan and Elmond’s outlook is as bright as ever. They’re already planning the next iteration of Oscar AI with improvements like steeper angles for smoother object movement and enhanced sensor feedback to ensure no item slips through the gaps.
Their goal? To fine-tune the system to a point where it not only impresses at science fairs but also lays the foundation for future commercial or environmental applications.
Ethan and Elmond’s journey embodies the energy and innovation that SMUS champions every day. Their story is a reminder that when creativity and technology meet passion and perseverance, the result isn’t just a gadget, it’s a tangible step toward transforming our world.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of their adventure as they head to nationals, where the promise of new beginnings and unprecedented innovation awaits.
