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At Carlton College in Shorouk City, Cairo, the Robotex Competition showcased a stunning display of creativity and technical mastery by some of Egypt’s brightest young minds. Among the standout participants were teams of deaf and hard-of-hearing children from ASDAA’ Association, the Association for the deaf and hard of hearing in Alexandria, whose performance left a lasting impression.

Robo Clinic: Redefining Robotics with a 24-Hour Integrated Clinic

One remarkable team, Robo Clinic, took home first place with their groundbreaking project, the Integrated Robotics Clinic. The team of three girls under the age of 12, Mariam, Pilar, and Aisha, designed a fully automated clinic featuring five robotic units. These included a urine sample collection robot, a laboratory robot for analysing samples, a doctor robot for diagnosis and prescription, a pharmacy robot for dispensing medications, and a robot that manages medication timing and dosages.

Their project offers a fully integrated 24-hour solution, from sample collection to treatment, reducing exposure to illnesses such as COVID-19 and streamlining the healthcare process. Supervised by robotics trainer Youssef Ali, who is also deaf, the team competed against 30 hearing teams. It earned the honour of representing Egypt at the International Robotex Competition in Estonia in December 2025.

Deaf Teams Show Diversity and Excellence

Robo Clinic was not the only deaf team to shine. The Smart Fox team, comprising Adnan, Abdel Rahman, and Osama, along with their trainer, Nader Sharif, won second place in the line-following robot category and will also represent Egypt internationally. Meanwhile, the Black Ox team earned the Best Programming Award for their Sumo Wrestling Robot, and the Dragon Fire team secured first place for Best Robot Design and Programming Strategy in the same category.

The teams translated programming codes into Sign Language, blending visual vocabulary with spoken languages to create a shared, intuitive understanding of robotics. This approach transformed their coding into a visual symphony, demonstrating that communication is not a barrier to creativity.

Breaking Barriers and Shaping Perceptions

The success of these young innovators goes beyond trophies. Their performance challenges societal perceptions of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, demonstrating that ability and creativity are not limited by hearing loss. Through their achievements, these children have transformed admiration and respect into recognition of their talent, paving the way for academic and professional growth.

Investing in Egypt’s Silent Treasure

The Export Development Bank of Egypt, which sponsored the teams, highlighted the importance of supporting such extraordinary talent. Ghada Anis, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the bank, expressed how these young innovators are a silent investment and a treasure trove for the country, confident that they will further enrich our society. She also urged educational institutions to nurture their potential through the Institutes of Creative Technology and AI programs.

With continued support, these young minds are poised to make lasting contributions to Egypt’s technological landscape. Their achievements serve as a testament to the creativity, resilience, and limitless potential of deaf innovators.