FireSAM

SOUTHSIDE AUTOMATED MACHINES - SAM TEAM

Southside High School - Center for International Studies - southsidehigh.org

Academics

Check out the new guy

FireSAM was created during the 2004-2005 school year, thanks to a grant from Lemelson-MIT and support from local companies. He made his debut at the 2005 Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam showcase where he spent two days on display. While there, he was in a presentation in which he amazed spectators by driving up the stairs through the crowd. However, FireSAM climbs stairs a little too fast for proper control and is currently being rebuilt so that he runs slower.

Ooh, and he does what?

FireSAM is a prototype being used to develop a robot capable of climbing up stairs while carrying equipment for firefighters. This will enable firefighters to concentrate on putting the fire out and rescuing victims without all of the stress and strain of lugging heavy equipment upstairs. He has a powerful on-board computer to allow for further software development such as the inclusion of sensors and possibly limited AI (artificial intelligence). He also has a strobe light, which we thought was pretty cool.

And he's gonna do WHAT?

As a prototype, FireSAM will be modified in the following ways to help develop a commercial model:

Reduce maximum speed from 5 to 1.5-2 mph
Add a stretcher to allow FireSAM to rescue victims.
Include ultra-sound, tilt sensors, and a camera along with needed software systems to assist a remote driver in operating FireSAM.
Install a local control so that a fireman in the building will be able to drive FireSAM if needed.
Develop attachments for assisting in pulling fire hoses.

FireSAM's Posse

Christopher Siden
Nick Chee
Joseph Green
Helen Leung
Sahitya Jampana

FireSAM

FireSAM and his fire-fighting friend

FireSAM poses on the stairs with local firefighter and team advisor Randal Willis. Firefighter Willis has been an enthusiastic supporter of the FireSAM concept and is hoping to eventually see him on the back of his fire truck.

Surprisingly, of all the danger firefighters face, stress and fatigue is the number one cause of on-the-job deaths.

FireSAM Mission Statement

To function as a test platform for new designs and developments leading to a commercially available stair climbing robot for firefighters.
To help young people get excited about potential careers in engineering,
To demonstrate basic principles taught in math and science classes

Kudos!

Lemelson-MIT

2004 Lemelson-MIT Grant Award
This award enabled FireSAM to be built. Southside was one of thirteen schools nationally to be selected for this prestigious grant. FireSAM was a hit when displayed by students at the Lemelson-MIT 2005 Odyssey event.

2005 Innovation in Education Award
The SAM Team was honored for providing students with an outstanding opportunity to participate in the technological process of creating a real-world invention.

Help Support FireSAM

Although our team is operating on a very limited budget, FireSAM still needs equipment for improvement and upkeep.

Any materials you can donate from this list are greatly appreciated.