The Lemelson-MIT Program’s InvenTeam initiative, which offers high school students grants to invent technological solutions to real-world problems, has today announced Beaver Country Day School among the sixteen recipients of the invention grants. Located just outside of Boston in Chestnut Hill, Beaver has received a $10,000 grant to build an automated robotic vehicular independence system (JARVIS), which assists people who are not able to carry out everyday tasks by themselves to gain independence and accessibility.

The team’s inspiration for the robotic device is Ann Bevan Hollos, the middle school dean and beloved teacher at Beaver Country Day School. Ms. Hollos is wheelchair-bound and needs assistance carrying heavy or awkward loads, something Beaver students often help her with. WIth this in mind, Beaver’s InvenTeam will create a hands-free, quasi-autonomous device that will carry up to 40 pounds of secured cargo. This device will wirelessly follow the user, directed by motion sensors and a Microsoft Kinect, tracking either hand motions or a reflective target. The ability to move items and complete everyday tasks without assistance will give Ms. Hollos, and others in need, the opportunity to live an independent life. The device can also be adapted for use in airports and/or train stations, especially by harried parents transporting both children and luggage.

In addition to Beaver, three other Massachusetts high schools were among the sixteen national grant recipients, demonstrating the Hub’s leadership in STEM education and innovation.