Innovative robot Lilly goes into production

Mariam and Nikki from ROER College Schöndeln have developed the social robot Lilly with their school project, which is now going into production. Supported by Robot Ctrl and investors, Lilly provides additional support and social contact to elderly people in care. This project highlights the power of cooperation between education and business.

Education that thinks ahead

In a time when education is often criticized for its rigid structures, ROER College Schöndeln proves with the Technasium that things can be different. By giving students like Mariam and Nikki the space to develop innovative real-life projects, they show that young people have much more potential than is often thought. Director Mark van der Mortel says, "If we let go of the frameworks and give students confidence, they can achieve the most amazing things. Education needs to focus more on possibilities instead of limitations."

Photo caption: Mariam Abdullahi & Nikki Meijer with Lilly - Photo credits: Peggy Maes Photography

Women in engineering: a step forward

Mariam and Nikki are living proof that diversity and engineering go hand in hand. In a sector where women are still underrepresented, they show that young women can not only participate, but also excel. This project is an inspiring example for girls who are interested in technology but may doubt their abilities. "The future of technology is diverse, and these young ladies are living proof of that," said Patrick Raemaekers, their supervisor for the Research & Design (R&D) subject.

Innovation through collaboration

Lilly's success would not have been possible without the fruitful collaboration between education and business. Thanks to the support of Robot Ctrl and social investors, Mariam and Nikki were able to take their idea from a sketch to a functional product. "This collaboration shows that when education and business join forces, we can create the most innovative solutions," said Patrick Coumans of Robot Ctrl.

Financing innovation: a social responsibility

Another important aspect of this project is financing. In a world where investment is often accompanied by the expectation of immediate profit, it is remarkable that social investors such as Maurice Daamen, Aziz Mahnin and Bart Verhagen (UpperInvest) were willing to invest in this project without guarantees. This type of investment underscores the importance of social responsibility in the business world and how it contributes to social progress.

Impact on healthcare sector

Lilly will have a significant impact on the care sector. Through her efforts, the elderly and those in need of care can benefit from additional support and social contact, which can significantly improve their well-being. This project highlights how technological innovations can have a positive social impact.

Source: Keyport