When two-year-old Cillian Jackson from Minnesota needed a wheelchair, his family faced a heartbreaking roadblock. The specialized device he required carried a price tag of around $20,000, and insurance would not provide coverage.
Instead of giving up, Cillian’s parents searched for alternatives — and found an unlikely team of problem-solvers at Farmington High School. The school’s robotics club, known as Rogue Robotics, decided to take on the challenge.
Drawing inspiration from the GoBabyGo program, which adapts toy cars into mobility devices for children with disabilities, the students used a Power Wheels car as the base. With creative engineering, they added 3D-printed components, joystick steering, and custom wiring to design a safe and functional wheelchair tailored to Cillian’s needs.
For weeks, the students combined their technical skills with trial-and-error testing, determined to deliver something that would make a real difference. Just before Christmas, they presented the finished vehicle to Cillian — completely free of charge.
The moment he climbed into his new ride was unforgettable. For the first time, Cillian could move around independently, exploring the world at his own pace. His parents described the gift as “life-changing,” while the project itself has become a powerful reminder of what compassion and teamwork can achieve.
What began as a student robotics assignment turned into something far more profound — a story of innovation, empathy, and community spirit. These young engineers not only solved a technical challenge but also transformed a child’s life, showing that kindness and creativity can open doors where systems fall short.
High School Robotics Team Builds Unique Wheelchair for Toddler
