Software engineering and computer science students at Ben Gurion High School in Ness Ziona have developed a device that could help make Israelis safer in the next attack or war.
At a hackathon held at the school last month, students developed systems to search and identify abductees in tunnels, safety bracelets, and combat tools to neutralize hostile technology.
Principal Iris Doron said, “As a principal, I'm really grateful to be able to help my students not only think innovatively, but also to focus on projects that are relevant to their time.'' jerusalem post. “There are many emotions at play as the war rages on and the country tries to rebuild.”
She said that participating in hackathons is, in some ways, “more important than studying literature or mathematics.”
Hosting hackathons is not new for the school. Hackathon events are an annual tradition at Ben-Gurion. However, this year's event was dedicated to developing innovative post-war applications and providing solutions to the challenges posed during Operation Iron Sword. The students' projects combined advanced technology, computer programming, and hardware.
How to monitor Hamas tunnels
Among the top projects was a “tunnel robot” to monitor Hamas tunnels and stream live video to soldiers on the ground. This advanced robot not only collects information and warns of potential terrorist ambushes, but also has facial recognition technology to identify abducted individuals.
Another project was a security bracelet that vibrates when a siren is heard in the area, directing the wearer to the nearest shelter.
A third team developed “Zeus”, which was designed to disable nearby electronic equipment using electromagnetic pulses.
Autonomous seed planters have also emerged that allow farmers in Israel's north and south to cultivate their fields without risking their lives.
Delon said the hackathon “encourages critical thinking, creative problem solving and teamwork.”
“Our vision is to prepare students to succeed in the advanced technology era,” she said. “We believe that quality education should promote not only academic knowledge but also soft skills and the ability to tackle the complex challenges associated with tomorrow's world.”
Delon added that the IDF is evaluating two of the projects. A third project will be discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture.
