The Ash Antibiotic invention is a prototype robot which aims to detect and cure Ash dieback disease. The innovative project was developed to support and foster local wildlife in Clare and to support hurling manufacturing in the county. The students created a spherical robot, made out of cardboard and paper mâché, and a working motor to demonstrate the possibilities of their invention and how a robot could travel to an infected tree and inject a liquid medicine to help cure the disease.
Having developed a prototype for their project, the winning student team commented: “Ash trees have been part of our history for thousands of years. They are one of the seven sacred trees of ancient Ireland and are one of the most common native trees in Ireland. We believe that our invention could help to prevent Ash dieback disease which is very prevalent in our community. By protecting trees from this disease, we can not only help the animals that live in the trees, but also support our hurling community, so that hurleys can be manufactured from local wood.”
David Purcell, Chair of Engineers Ireland’s Thomond Region, Ciara Grogan, Clare County Camogie Player and former Clooney NS pupil presented the winning team with their STEPS Young Engineers Award.