The South Portland department benefits from an air-testing robot built by high school students.
 
By Melanie Creamer
Portland Press Herald (Maine)
Copyright 2007 Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

PORTLAND, Maine — The South Portland Fire Department's new tool against hazardous materials is the creation of a high school robotics team.

The robot named HOMER, an acronym for Hazmat Observation Mobile Entry Robot, uses sensors to test the air for toxic gases.

It can be maneuvered into areas to detect hazardous materials. A camera with a spinning turret records what it sees, said Sam Helmke, a sophomore and student project leader.

There are 42 members of the robotics team, with students from high schools in Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Kennebunkport and Waynflete School in Portland.

The robot took about six weeks to build. Students were assisted by their coach, R. Jon Meade, and Jim Milan, an engineer who helped students design and build the robot.

"After we built the frame, there were a lot of electronics and wiring (to install) that make the robot go," Helmke said. "That's where Jim is great. He teaches and mentors us in the different aspects of electronics. He brings it down to a level that is easy to understand."

The team is sponsored by Fairchild Semiconductor, and will participate in a regional robotics competition in March at the Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, N.H.

Helmke said the competition presents an opportunity to raise awareness about science and technology.

There are now four robotics teams in the state. Other teams include Camden High School, Bonny Eagle High School and a team shared by Falmouth and Gorham high schools.

"It's becoming more and more popular. We want people to start thinking about science and technology. We are the future leaders of tomorrow," Helmke said.

Helmke, who joined the team in eighth grade, said it's a great program that deserves more recognition.

"We want to be known as a team," Helmke said. "We want to get other teams going. It's a great place to meet people, cultivate relationships, have fun and learn."

Helmke said he is considering a future in engineering.

"I am trying to keep my horizons clear. This is showing the light of a nice future ahead," he said.