Software engineering and computer science students at Ben Gurion High School in Ness Ziona have developed a device that could help make Israelis safer in the next attack or war.
At a hackathon held at the school last month, students developed systems to search and identify abductees in tunnels, safety bracelets, and combat tools to neutralize hostile technology.
Principal Iris Doron told The Jerusalem Post: “As a principal, it's great to be able to help students not only think innovatively, but also focus on projects that are relevant to their time.” “As the war rages on and the country tries to rebuild, there are many emotions that arise.”
Participating in the hackathon was, in some ways, “more important than studying literature or mathematics,” she said.
Hosting hackathons is not new for the school. Events like this have become an annual tradition at Ben-Gurion. But this year's event is about developing innovative applications for the post-war day after war and the challenges posed during the current Operation Iron Sword, Israel's response to Hamas' October 7 massacre. Dedicated to providing solutions to. The students' projects combined advanced technology, computer programming, and hardware.
How to monitor Hamas tunnels
Among the top projects was a “tunnel robot” that monitors Hamas tunnels and streams live video to soldiers on the ground. This advanced robot not only collects information and alerts troops to potential terrorist ambushes, but also has facial recognition technology to identify abducted individuals.
Another project was a security bracelet that vibrates when a siren is heard in the area, directing the wearer to the nearest shelter.
A third team developed “Zeus”, which was designed to disable nearby electronic equipment using electromagnetic pulses.
Autonomous seed planters have also emerged that allow farmers in Israel's north and south to cultivate their fields without risking their lives.
Delon said the hackathon promotes “critical thinking, creative problem solving, and teamwork.”
“Our vision is to prepare students to succeed in the era of advanced technology,” she said. “We believe that quality education should promote not only academic knowledge but also soft skills and the ability to tackle the complex challenges associated with tomorrow's world.”
Delon added that the IDF is evaluating two of the projects. A third project will be discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture.
