KARSTEN MIRANDA
A Class X stu dent from Chorao has won a Special Award at the World STEM and Robotics Olym piad International Champi onship held in the United Arab Emirates, bringing international recognition to Goa’s student robotics com munity. Ian Calisto Nunes of St Bartholomew’s High School secured the honour for de veloping “RoboEnergiQ”, an autonomous robotic rover designed around the con cept of algorithmic energy optimisation in modern robotics. The rover is a fully in tegrated mobile system combining mechanical engineering, electronics, embedded programming and intelligent control log ic. It features a six-degree of-freedom robotic arm, multiple object-detection sensors, embedded micro controller systems and cus tom-designed 3D-printed structural components. A central element of the project is its algorithm-driv en power management framework, which regulates energy consumption during operation while maintaining performance efficiency. The design aligns with broader engineering trends focused on sustaina ble robotics and intelligent automation. Ian also undertook the mechanical computer-aided design of the rover using Autodesk Fusion 360, translating conceptual ideas into precise 3D models. Each component was drafted with attention to dimensional ac curacy, tolerance calibration, structural stability and assembly feasibility, ensuring fabrication readiness. The project evolved significantly during development. Initially concep tualised as “Eco-Sorter”, a stationary robotic arm capable of identifying and sorting objects through QR code-based recognition, the system was later redesigned into a mobile rover capable of dynamic task execution. The transition required integration of mobility systems, intelligent actua tion and embedded control programming, expanding the scope and com plexity of the build. Ian’s interest in robotics began in early childhood. During the pandemic in 2021, he enrolled in a robotics boot camp conducted by a Chennai-based organisation, where he competed alongside older participants and won a competition despite being underage. Between 2022 and 2023, he participated in the Goa-2-Mars robotics ed ucation programme at his school, gaining exposure to Raspberry Pi sys tems and hardware builds. He later strengthened his microcontroller pro gramming skills through Arduino training, deepening his understanding of embedded systems. A turning point came in 2025 when he joined a Goa FIRST Tech Chal lenge team in Porvorim. Structured training in mechanical CAD design sharpened his drafting skills and strengthened his understanding of fab rication standards, which proved foundational in building RoboEnergiQ. According to his mentor, Vincent Toscano, Ian’s journey reflects the im pact of sustained guidance and early exposure to hands-on engineering. “Robotics offers students a practical pathway into engineering disciplines using accessible tools. Students from even small island communities can compete globally when given the right opportunities,” he said.
