Approximately 200 students from the Ron Vardi Municipal Center for Excellence in Rishon Lezion participated last week in “Shark Day,” a youth innovation showcase aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and creative thinking among future tech leaders.
The event featured a range of projects developed by students from Grades 3 through 9, many of whom have attended the center since kindergarten. Among the standout presentations was a remote-controlled “mini-tank” designed by 10-year-old students Dror H. and Maya P., intended to protect soldiers on the battlefield.
“Our fathers serve in the army. Dror’s dad is fighting in Gaza, and my father holds a classified position,” Maya said. “We thought, if drones can protect pilots, why can’t there be an unmanned tank?”
The two developed a small robotic vehicle operated via a mobile phone connected through Bluetooth to a digital control board. The propulsion system uses a basic mechanical component referred to as a “helix,” which spins to launch a rubber band simulating the firing of a shell.
“The best part was building it together and imagining how it could really save lives,” said Dror. “We learned how an idea becomes something that actually works. It was a challenging and exciting journey.”
Remotely operated robotic hand
Another notable project came from sixth-grade students Itai Gatner Ingerman and Maya Kotel, who presented a prototype for a remotely operated robotic hand. Developed as part of their robotics course, the hand performs basic functions such as gripping and releasing objects through remote control.
“We saw news reports about soldiers who had lost limbs, and we wanted to find a way to give them some of their independence back,” they said. The students now aim to improve the device’s precision. “This project taught us the importance of perseverance and hope.”
Rishon Lezion Mayor Raz Kinstlich, who attended the event, praised the students’ ingenuity.
“These children are proof that when given the right tools, they can change the world,” Kinstlich said. “I am proud to see how Rishon Lezion’s students are transforming abstract ideas into practical solutions with significant human value.”
Other projects presented included an AI-powered application capable of detecting emotions through tone of voice and facial expressions, a tool for analyzing emotions in text messages, a language-teaching robot designed for disaster-stricken regions, a sensor-based smart hydration system, an automatic blanket for individuals with arm amputations, and a virtual avatar aimed at raising awareness on social media about Israeli hostages held in Gaza.