An amazing final update on the Smart Follow Me Suitcase!
Bringing the design to life!
Following an earlier online meeting with Maya and her mum, the AVEVA ProtoTeam were delighted to welcome them to the Cambridge Science Park office ahead of the Awards and Exhibition where the finished prototype would be presented. With limited time to prepare, the lead up to the visit was busy, but everything came together for a truly memorable day.
The visit began with a relaxed buffet lunch which gave everyone a chance to get to know each other. During lunch, Tony shared a fun demonstration of his carrot piano which quickly became a highlight of the day. It sparked curiosity and laughter and helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for Maya and her family.
After lunch, the team gave Maya and her family a tour of the office. Along the way, colleagues shared examples of their work, giving a glimpse into the range of projects taking place across the team. This helped bring the world of engineering and technology to life in a very real and inspiring way.
Showcasing the prototype
The main event of the day was the opportunity for Maya to see her idea in action. The team introduced the working prototype and invited her to test it herself. Maya guided the robot through the office, along corridors and back into the meeting room, watching as it followed her and reacted to its surroundings.
The team demonstrated how the robot detects obstacles and adjusts its movement to avoid them. It was exciting to see the system respond in real time and this quickly attracted the attention of colleagues nearby who were eager to see what had been taking place behind the scenes.
During the visit, Maya gave the robot its name, Shellie. This brought a real sense of personality to the project and marked an important step in making the idea feel complete and personal.
Adding creativity and personality
The next stage of the day focused on bringing Shellie to life visually. During an earlier discussion, Maya had shared that she liked light blue and wanted the robot to have hands. With a selection of craft materials ready, Maya began designing the look of Shellie and adding her creative touch to the prototype.
At the same time, her brother Noah enjoyed building a bridge from bricks, adding to the creative energy in the room. It was a lovely moment where engineering and imagination came together, with both children fully engaged in their own creations.
Time passed quickly as everyone enjoyed the process, and the team was happy to allow extra time so Maya could complete her design. When Shellie was finished, the group gathered to take photos together, celebrating what had been achieved.
Reflecting on the journey
The visit was a fantastic example of collaboration between a young designer and a team of engineers. It showed how an idea can grow from a simple concept into a working prototype through teamwork, creativity, and dedication.
For the ProtoTeam, it has been a rewarding experience to work on Maya’s idea and to see her reaction to the finished result. For Maya, it was a chance to see her imagination turned into something real and interactive!