Latest update April 3rd, 2026 12:35 AM
Guyanese students named among top five finalists at global robotics competition in Malaysia
(Kaieteur News) – A group of Guyanese students representing Camille’s Academy have been named among the top five finalists at the Global Robotics Competition, Robowunder, held in Malaysia.
Camille’s Academy placed fifth out of 30 shortlisted teams at competition, held on January 24, 2026, for their project titled the Automatic Fire Detection Intelligence System (AFDIS).
Team developer and engineer, Sherisa Khan explained that AFDIS is designed with AI assistance to help identify and prevent dangerous forest fires. She said the team decided to create an original prototype to help protect Guyana’s forest in the face of climate change risks.
Team Camille’s Academy : From left students, Aaryan Gafoor, Ricahardo Bhagwadin , Sherisa Khan CEO Of Camille Academy, Camille Deokie Gorakh alongside Founder of Robochamps India, Akshay Ahuja, Rebecca Latchman and Faith Jaisingh in Malaysia.
Khan explained “We all know that Guyana is made up 85 percent forest and as we know we are at serious risk of global warming. To help create a solution to combat the effects of global warming like dangerous forest fires, we have designed AFDIS which is our phase 1 prototype to detect the slightest amount of carbon monoxide, humidity like how dry or wet the atmosphere in the forest is and if it is in danger of a fire being started.”
The team developer said that the programme is engineered by an edge AI algorithm to help detect a fire being started within a 500-mile radius.
“The minute the algorithm detects a threshold of 65 percent it sends a sms straight to the forest ranger’s phone that ‘hey, there is a risk of a fire being started at this exact location,’” she said.
She explained that another useful component of AFDIS is that it is built to make system failure or default reports.
“The system is completely self-reliant. So, if for any reason the equipment is damaged or malfunctions, the system is designed to report those problems. It will notify the ranger that ‘hey a sensor is damaged here or there.’”
Lead researcher, Ricardo Bhagwandin of Camille’s Academy and other team members during their presentation of AFDIS in Malaysia.
Khan explained to that unlike other forest fire detection devices that use satellite technology, AFDIS is reliant on soil intelligence making it is truly original by design.
“This is the first of its kind and we are looking to get it patented and made into an actual device. We want to change the world, innovate and make something that will preserve our forests,” she said.
According to her, the idea was to make the project cost effective, safe and climate friendly.
“We have added solar panels so that we can use the sun’s energy to power the device. Those panels also charge the backup battery. During the day, we use solar and at night back up battery. If the rain falls, it will rely on back up battery, making it a green energy device.”
Lead researcher, Ricardo Bhagwandin had the task for gathering data to assist with ensuring that the project was feasible, original and worthwhile.
He said “My main job was to scour the internet for information on forest fire prevention technology and gather relevant data relating to our project. I had to find information on forest fires in Guyana and the rest of the world. For example, we looked at the California wildfires and the fire in the Rupununi Savannahs here in Guyana.”
“We took about a week to come up with the idea and map it out and get started.”
Project coordinator Faith Jaisingh told this publication that she was responsible for logistical component of the project.
“I was responsible for ensuring that everyone pitched in, did their part and received the necessary tools and information needed to complete the project in time.”
Aaryan Gafoor related that he was responsible for building and programming the prototype.
“My job is basically building web component of the project ensuring that it works correctly,” he said.
Academic Director of Camille’s Academy, Dr. Camille Deokie-Gorakh expressed how very proud she is of her team. She noted that this was their first international competition and they represented their school, Guyana and Caribbean, well.
“Congratulations to our champs for securing a spot among the Top 5 out of 30 shortlisted teams at the Global Robotics Competition, Robowunder, in Malaysia!” the Academic Director said in a Facebook post shortly after the results of the competition were announced.
She continued “Being named a finalist is a remarkable achievement — a true reflection of your hard work, innovation, and dedication. Keep striving, keep innovating, and continue to shine on the global stage!”
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