Most of us complain about not having enough of what we deserve. But when we dream of making something, we must try our best to achieve it with whatever resources we have. Such is the story of this boy.
Ningombam Prem from Manipur has created incredible costumes out of waste metal, cardboard, and electronics with no training or degree. A native of Heirok town in Thoubal district, situated 33 kilometers from Imphal, successfully created several handmade robots at his home.
Prem went viral for the first time after demonstrating his mechanized version of Iron Man’s helmet and arm, which he originally posted on his YouTube channel, Kanglei Tech.
Life Beyond Numbers got in touch with the talented guy.
Prem shared that he was first attracted to robots at 10 when he watched the sci-fi movie Robots (2005). It was also the same movie that inspired him to try making robots for the first time.
“After returning home, I put my mind to designing something as crazy as I had watched. I made a mini replica of one of the characters from Robots from scraps collected from a nearby cycle shop. I am a very creative person; once I see something, I don’t merely admire it, I start imagining how to design it,” Ningombam said.
“I have lost count of the number of robots I have made till now. Since we don’t have space to store them all, I dismantle most of my robots and reuse the material to make new ones,” he added.
Over the years, Prem has been watching a couple of Marvel and other superhero hero movies out of sheer fascination. But it was Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man that caught his eye. Having watched the film, he became a diehard fan of the character and the star. He thus wanted to recreate the same costume and started with Iron Man’s helmet and arm.
“I want to be like Iron Man. I want to create robots that make life easy for people who are suffering. I am a fan of mechanics not power, so I prefer Iron Man over Captain America anyday,” said the Marvel fan.
Investing about two hours a day, he has made many versions of the Iron Man helmet, a mini can refrigerator robot, a replica of the Real Steel robot, which he named Noisey Boy, among many others. These bots also have an essential movement function.
In contrast to his hi-tech endeavor, the boy comes from a very humble background. He has a tiny house in which he lives with his mom, dad, and three sisters. His parents are food vendors, and the entire family survives on the meager income that comes from it.
“I cannot spend the entire day making robots. I have to help my mother fry puris and samosa at the food stall, it is my family’s source of income,” shared Prem.
Also, you would be surprised to know that Prem doesn’t hold any degree in the field. He is instead a student of Fine Arts from Imphal Art College. Yet, he wishes he could pursue mechanical engineering.
“Due to financial constraints I could not pursue mechanical engineering,” he said.
Also, read: After 55 Failed Attempts, Assam’s 21-YO Student Creates A Functional Car That Run On Water
Even then, he is not willing to give away or sell his creations at any cost.
“I don’t want to sell because I don’t want the buyers to feel cheated with the poor quality material used (scrap metal). My creations keep me occupied and motivated to think about doing something good to help people,” he concluded.
We really wish he is given the chance to pursue robotics as a full-time career with proper education, as promised by Mr. Anand Mahindra. He truly has a long, long way to go.