Primary school team designs detect-and-alert system for potholes
FIVE pupils from SK Puchong Utama 2 grabbed the attention of judges with their low-cost, Internet of Things (IoT) Pothole Detector On-The-Go, earning a special award.
Calling themselves Team Harmoni, the Year Six pupils received their RM2,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate of appreciation from Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari at the 2026 Selangor Metamorphosis Appreciation Ceremony under the Digital Innovation category.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin and state Islamic affairs and cultural innovation committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.
The team outshone 240 participants, including those from tertiary institutions, local authorities, government-linked and private companies in a competition that featured a range of high-impact innovations.
One of the team members, Syafierul Qaleef Shahrul Anuar, 12, said the idea for the invention arose from a concern for road safety.
“It did not cost much, about RM114.
“We used components such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), an ultrasonic sensor, a buzzer, guard sensor and toy car.
“What we built is actually what we learnt in school.
“I want to study engineering and build robots for agriculture and plantations,” he told Bernama following the presentation ceremony in Glenmarie.
Teacher Amirah Najihah Mohd Taufik, 25, explained that the team’s invention was designed to spot road damage and directly send a signal and alert to a monitoring system.
“The system transmits data in real time, so that those monitoring it can pinpoint the exact location of the pothole.
“The system also comes with various other alert functions.
“The R&D for this project was carried out by the five pupils since July.
“They were selected based on their highest scores in Science and their excellent presentation skills,” she said.
Amirah said the innovation was especially relevant since potholes could cause accidents and injury to road users.
She said it could be developed further with cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost its potential.
The annual Selangor Metamorphosis Appreciation Ceremony recognises and celebrates excellence in innovation across the civil service, private sector, higher education institutions, schools and society.
