Meet Lance, Lasalle Secondary School’s latest Lancer

Lasalle Secondary School students are building a life-sized humanoid robot. Aptly named Lance, the robot is the first of its kind for a school in Northern Ontario.

Inspired by the InMoov project developed by French sculptor and designer Gaël Langevin, Lance is being created using more than 400 3D printed parts and 20 servos which allow the robot to mimic human movement.

This exciting project began during the pandemic when robotics teacher Roger Branconnier was looking for ways to engage students through online learning.

In a traditional robotics class, students work on designs and prototypes. They test their ideas using a variety of components – from CAD design and mechanical assembly, to 3D printing, algorithm controls, coding and more.

“When we no longer had access to the in-class technology and tools, I became focused on finding another way to teach robotics that would engage students,” says Roger Branconnier.

In his quest, he discovered InMoov, the first open source 3D printed life-size robot, and a dynamic community of builders. With that, he went to work.

“The learning curve for myself and for my students was quite steep,” he says. “But they really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of something special.”

When classes transitioned back to in-person learning, the project continued. After hundreds of hours of 3D printing and building, and with the help of rudimentary artificial intelligence, Lance can now follow verbal commands, interact with people, even answer questions.

To watch Lance come to life, click here: bit.ly/LSSLance

To watch Lance interact, click here: bit.ly/LSSLance

Although excited with the success to date, Roger Branconnier says there is more work to be done. Lasalle’s engineering and robotics students are now building Lance’s left arm.

There is also room for growth with this project. Students can add cameras to Lance’s eyes for facial and object recognition, and they can design wireless gloves or harnesses to move Lance remotely.

“We often get visitors from other classes and they are amazed by the robot’s capabilities,” says Roger Branconnier. “Lance has definitely sparked an interest in robotics for students at all levels of learning.”

At Lasalle Secondary School, Lance has become a mascot of sorts heralding a resurgence in all things technology.

The Lasalle Secondary School Robotics Club is gearing up for a Skills Ontario Competition in May. The hockey-themed challenge will test students’ programming and engineering skills by building three robots – two tele-operated robots and one fully autonomous robot to run defence.

“From curriculum to clubs, Lasalle Secondary School is future focused,” says Principal Kristina Rivard Gobbo. “Our talented teachers are thrilled to share their ideas, and students are enthralled with the endless possibilities offered in our 21st century classrooms.”

In teacher Kyle Craftchick’s Grade 9 Coding and Animation class, for instance, students are using the computer software tool Blender to create 3D models and explore the principles of 3D modelling – form, detail, scale, adaptation, reuse and surface quality.

Some students combine basic shapes to create a model – like a turtle – while others use sculpting to create models with smoother surfaces – like the animated character Nabo. Students are also encouraged to incorporate aspects of colour, texture and lighting into their projects.

“As Lance might say, ‘our school is second to none!’” says Principal Kristina Rivard Gobbo. “We invite prospective students and families to learn more about our technology programs and meet Lance the robot during our Open House on Wednesday, February 15th at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome!”

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Media Contact:

Kristina Rivard Gobbo, Principal, Lasalle Secondary School
Rainbow District School Board, 705-566-2280