American High School Students Transform Toy Electric Vehicles into Wheelchairs to Help Handicapped Boys

The Rogue Robotics team at Farmington High School in Minnesota recently adapted a toy electric car to create a fully functional electric wheelchair for a 2-year-old disabled boy, Cillian Jackson, according to the Daily Mail of April 2.

Tyler Jackson, Hillian's father, said that Hillian suffered from a congenital genetic disorder and, like many cerebral palsy patients, could not even control his physical activity. However, it costs $20,000 (about 134,000 yuan) to buy an electric wheelchair for Hillian, which is undoubtedly an unbearable number for Taylor. And because Hillian was younger and the insurance company refused to settle the claim, he had to seek help from the robotic team of his former high school Alma mater.

When Taylor realized he couldn't afford a $20,000 electric wheelchair, the school helped.

Spencer Elvebak, a robotic coach at Farmington High School, said: "At a meeting, I asked the children,'Do you want to do this project?' The students were overjoyed and decided to cooperate in the task.

The robotics team transformed the toy electric car, replacing some electronic components, installing a bicycle seat instead of a seat, and using a 3D printer to add a joystick to the electric wheelchair. At the same time, the technical support provided by GoBaby Go also makes the refitting work more smoothly.

On December 20, 2018, a video of Hilian manipulating an electric wheelchair was shared on Facebook. In the video, Hillian sits in a seat belt and controls the new wheelchair back and forth with a joystick. The voice of an adult can be heard in the background: "He may have to learn to make doughnuts next." For Hillian, it may be only a matter of time. In addition, photos of the robot team's modification work were also shared on Facebook.

In the photo, the Rogge Robot Team is refitting the toy electric car.

"We're really grateful that these children can take time out of their busy study life to refit their wheelchairs," said Hillian's mother. But thanks are reciprocal, and the robotics team wrote on social media: "We also want to thank Hillian's parents for giving us this great opportunity to practice, both to help them and to draw a successful conclusion to the pre-season." One of the players, Nicole Cash, said, "You've got something very precious from this event. "

Taylor said the gift could help develop Hillian's control ability and prepare him for the future use of standard electric wheelchairs. Meanwhile, Hillian's constant exploration of the use of wheelchairs also contributes to his cognitive development.

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