As the academic year draws to a close, I’m reminded of the courses I took this semester. There’s one that I believe will always be fondly remembered by all REP students – the Build and Test Project. This module set our creative juices flowing and motivated us to push beyond our self-imposed limitations.

This course lasted two semesters, and in the second semester, we had to design a remote-controlled toy car that could run on a self-made zinc-copper chemical battery. It turned out to be quite a challenge. We were competing on speed, distance and innovation, and the teams were clearly trying to outdo one another. We could hear cries of frustration, anxiety and plain old anger in the lab, when despite all attempts to get the cars to move, they refused to. Corrosion of cells, sputtering and dying motors, and inexplicable fumes from the motherboard (yet another short circuit?) – the list of glitches seemed never-ending.

But desperation is the mother of invention. As we neared the end of the 12-week long assignment, I was both surprised and impressed by the discipline, commitment and creativity demonstrated by my fellow classmates. People worked overnight on their designs, burning the midnight oil over solders, screwdrivers and hand drills. On the final test day, we saw some amazing ideas in action – dry batteries, 3D printed chasses, self-developed apps for control and, of course, cars that ran up a 7-metre slope in 7 seconds.

Exciting car-nival: our roadsters getting ready to race.

Working on this project, I discovered the true power of teamwork. Here’s my awesome group. 🙂

Most importantly, the Build and Test Project taught me perseverance – to keep going when the going gets tough, because like the cars we designed, we will always somehow get to the finish line.

To many more incredible journeys ahead with REP!

(Photos: Then Mugilan, REP)

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