Building a Stair Climbing Robot for My Engineering Thesis

Building a Stair Climbing Robot for My Engineering Thesis

Sustainable development requires innovative solutions—especially in areas where technology can address real-world challenges in meaningful ways. Engineering projects like this one demonstrate how knowledge and creativity can come together to solve practical problems and create lasting impact.

At Future.Empowerment.Africa e.V., we firmly believe that education is a key driver of sustainable change. We are therefore incredibly proud of our scholar Joshua, who, through our Hakuna Mipaka Program, not only excels academically but also applies his knowledge to develop innovative and practical solutions. His bachelor’s thesis is a powerful example of how young talents can contribute to technological advancement with real societal value.

"It feels so amazing to get to this point, with only a few months remaining before I finish my undergraduate degree in mechatronic engineering. When I began studying Mechatronic Engineering, I was always fascinated by how machines can solve real-world problems. For my bachelor thesis, I wanted to work on something practical, challenging, and meaningful, something that combines mechanics, electronics, and intelligent control systems, which is what mechatronics entails.

My thesis focuses on the design and development of a small stair-climbing mobile robot. The robot uses a tracked drive system combined with movable front arms, known as flippers, which help it climb stairs and navigate difficult terrain. An example is the Dreame Cyber X (pictured) that uses four articulated tracks for stair climbing.

Dreame Cyber X robot | Source: Mashable Benelux

The goal of my project is to design a compact and affordable prototype that demonstrates how such a robot can climb standard stairs and move across obstacles. The project involves several stages: designing the mechanical structure, selecting motors and components, building the electronic control system, and programming the robot so that it can move and operate effectively. With the design phase complete, I will be beginning fabrication in the coming weeks, and aim to have a working prototype by end of May.

What makes this project particularly exciting for me is that it brings together everything I have learned during my degree, including mechanical design, electronics, control systems, programming, and system integration. It requires me to put all the theoretical knowledge I have amassed over five years into practice, while at the same time tapping into my creativity to solve a real-world problem.

Throughout the process, I have been using computer-aided design tools to develop the robot structure and carefully selecting components that allow the robot to move efficiently while staying within a very limited budget. The final outcome will be a prototype that shows how engineering design can transform an idea into a real, functioning machine.

I also acknowledge Future Empowerment Africa, who have graciously supported my studies for the past two years. Their support has enabled me to focus on my studies and work on projects that challenge me to grow as an engineer, and I hope this project is just one of many ways I can use that opportunity to create meaningful technological solutions in the future."

Joshua’s project represents exactly what we aim to achieve through our Hakuna Mipaka Program: empowering motivated young individuals to unlock their full potential and use their knowledge to drive positive change. Through financial support, mentoring, and a strong network, we create the foundation for our scholars not only to successfully complete their studies, but also to become active contributors to a more sustainable future.

Programs like Hakuna Mipaka highlight the transformative power of targeted educational support—especially in contexts where resources may be limited, but talent and ambition are boundless.

If you would like to become part of this journey—whether as a supporter, partner, or by sharing our mission—we would love to connect. Together, we can create opportunities and actively shape a more sustainable future.