To be honest, I was never the most loved boy in the class. Everybody played soccer, and I made robots. But that was fine. At least I was popular during Informatics classes and other Technical subjects.
That’s when I felt like I had something to contribute. Back then, in primary school, there weren’t many robot kits available, and the ones that existed were expensive. So my best option was using old things I could find: a freewheel from a chair, metal tins, plastic pipes, glue, CDs wrapped with insulation tape for wheels… I had to be really creative. This was one of the first robots I ever made. I think I was in 6th grade, maybe?
I coded the software using the PIC programmer I mentioned in my last story. I made H-bridges with transistors (yes - I learned what an H-bridge was, and how it worked). Later, I added some servos, once I understood how to control PWM signals. It felt amazing. I even installed an IR transmitter and receiver so the robot could “see” obstacles. Today, people just go online and buy cheap IR distance sensors, but back then, I had to assemble them and write the software from scratch to make them work.
But honestly, this is how I learned most things - by doing. That’s why I want to motivate others to try. No matter their background or what tools they have. If someone wants to build, invent, or learn, they can. I’m happy to share what I know. I’ll teach, show, and explain because technology and innovation can develop unbelievable skills in anyone willing to try.
