Rohingya Teenager Builds Handmade Robot in Camp

Camp 1E, Cox’s Bazar – In a story of resilience, determination, and innovation, 18-year-old Mohammed Toyyub has built a life-sized, handmade robot in his small shelter in Camp 1E, Cox’s Bazar. His creation has become a symbol of hope and a demonstration of the untapped potential within the Rohingya refugee community.

Born in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State, Myanmar, Toyyub was inspired by videos of robotics and technological innovation he saw on social media. “I was truly inspired by it,” he told Rohingya Vision News. “I have been trying since 2019, but due to lack of financial support, I was unable to build this handmade robot.”

The turning point came when he shared a video of his early work on the “Rohel Kan Rapper” Facebook page. The video attracted attention and small-scale financial help from the online community. Using these contributions along with his own funds, Toyyub was finally able to purchase the components needed to bring his vision to life.

The robot, standing at the same height as Toyyub, is a testament to his ingenuity and resourcefulness. “This is a new design,” he explained. “I saw many designs on Facebook and YouTube, but I created my own.” He assembled the machine using a flagship board, motors, wires, wheels, and a motherboard, carefully soldering and piecing it together.

Controlled by a remote, the robot moves on a wheeled base, which Toyyub designed himself. “I designed a car and placed the robot on it,” he said. “It moves easily, and it can move its hands and body as well.” In addition to movement, the robot can speak in Rohingya, sing, and even be used for calls. Toyyub had wanted to add an English-speaking function but could not due to a lack of a programming laptop. “Unfortunately, I can’t add the English version because of limited materials,” he said.

The project was challenging. Integrating the voice and movement systems required persistence, and Toyyub failed twice before succeeding. The robot moves slowly, a limitation due to the low-cost equipment he had to use. Sourcing materials was also difficult. “The materials aren’t available in the camp. They need to be ordered online from sites like Daraz or from Dhaka, which can take one to two weeks,” he explained. The robot runs on a battery that lasts approximately 30 minutes per charge.

Despite these challenges, Toyyub’s invention has made a significant impact on his community. Children and adults alike are fascinated and inspired by the robot. “People enjoy and are inspired,” he said. “Mostly, the feedback is, ‘What a talent!’ Many people have thanked me, are inspired, and encouraged me.”

Toyyub views his project as more than just personal achievement. “We, the Rohingya, are intellectual, but due to lack of opportunity, we cannot move forward,” he said passionately. “I dream of becoming an engineer to serve my community through technology and innovation.”

He hopes his work will motivate other young Rohingya to explore and share their talents. “Please don’t stay silent. Explore yourself and share your thoughts with the world to show your capacity and talents… You need to build your own opportunities,” he urged.

Looking ahead, Toyyub plans to improve his robot and dreams of establishing a program to teach other young people in the camp. However, he faces the immediate challenge of safely storing his creation. “I need a space to keep it securely,” he said, concerned that constant handling by curious children could damage his hard work.

Mohammed Toyyub’s life-sized robot is more than a machine; it is a symbol of hope, creativity, and the unfulfilled potential of Rohingya youth, proving that determination and innovation can flourish even under the most challenging circumstances.

Rohingya Vision News