A Scottish schoolboy is the brains behind a robotic shopping trolley, which could help thousands of elderly and disabled customers with their weekly supermarket trip.
Aidan McCann dreamed up the mechanized cart with height adjustment features after seeing his grandmother Lydia, 75, struggle to carry groceries.
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SWNS
McCann explained why it was so important for him to make the height adjustable at the flick of a switch:
“[It] can change height so elderly people don’t have to lift their bags very far,” he said.
After creating primary blue prints for the 'Trolley For The Elderly', McCann won top prize at a national engineering competition and now his idea has become a reality.
McCann’s grandmother said: “Aidan is a good boy. "He was helping me with jobs that I couldn't do because I'm just 4ft 11in tall.”
"Then he came up with an idea for the trolley… I was quite proud of him, designing something like that.”
Aidan’s mum Helen said: “I’m so proud of him. I said get that in your personal statement.”
Kids' Inventions Brought To Life
The Liftolator (War avoider)(01 of14)
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An invention by Charlotte Scott, age 11, made into model form by Erin Dickson at Fab Lab Sunderland.
A thought provoking idea, bringing safety to those living in danger.
(02 of14)
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Pringles Hook(03 of14)
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Invention idea by Georgia Dinsley, age 11, recreated in 3D graphics by Andy Mattocks.
"I struggle to get my Pringles out (of the bottom of the tub), well here’s a cure! A hook that you pull to get more Pringles out" -Georgia Dinsley.
(04 of14)
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Shady Lamp(05 of14)
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An invention idea by Layla Amir, age 11, made real by Carl Gregg at Fab Lab Sunderland.
A brilliant idea that allows the owner to dim the light just like pulling closed a pair of venetian blinds.
(06 of14)
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Flipping Rope(07 of14)
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An invention idea by Chloe Main, age six, recreated in 3D graphics by Andy Mattocks.
“The flipping Rope is a flying skipping rope. Like a normal skipping rope but with propellors and lights on the end. You can skip, you can fly, or you can skip while you fly. Propellors are battery powered. Make sure you land before they run out! Children will use it to skip to other countries and pilots who want more fun will use it too!” Chloe Main
(08 of14)
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Handy Hi 5(09 of14)
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An invention idea by Oliver, age six, made real by Tony Canning of Fab Lab Sunderland.
When you succeed at something but there is no one around to give you a hi five, this machine is perfect.
(10 of14)
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Leaf Catcher(11 of14)
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An invention by Elsie Ronald, a great aunt to a young family. Elsie came to a INVENTORS! workshop with her family. Dominic asked if she would like to draw an invention idea. Elsie was a little reluctant. Five minutes later Dominic returned to find Elsie had drawn this Leaf Catcher device.
(12 of14)
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Clever Clothing(13 of14)
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An invention idea by Charlotte Stothard, age ten, made real by Kate Eccles.
"My invention is a dress that turns into a top. Buy one get one free outfit. The button holes at the bottom fold to attach to the buttons underneath the skirt. Then unfold the hidden straps and wear it as a top." Charlotte Stothard