FRESH off their impressive victory at the Asia Pacific Open Championship – FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Challenge 2025 in Sydney, Penang-based robotics team Nemesis-X Assassins has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation aimed at tackling jellyfish blooms along coastal shorelines.
The team, made up of nine secondary school students from various schools across Penang, was interviewed at Assassins Robotics’ Sungai Nibong branch yesterday. Their team manager and founder of Assassins Robotics, Ng Lee Chuang, shared insights into the team’s journey and their latest project.
The team members include Chong Yao Qing (SMJK Chung Ling), Edmond Tan Hung Xuan (SMJK Phor Tay), Isaac Fong Wah Kin (SMJK Heng Ee Cawangan), Neoh Yi Qing (Penang Chinese Girls’ High School), Seow Carlson (Han Chiang High School), Tan Ee Shern (Chung Ling Private High School), Teh Yu Xuan (Han Chiang High School), Tong Zee Kenn (SMJK Chung Ling), and Wong Zi Chiun (SMJK Heng Ee Cawangan), all aged 15 to 16.
One of their standout innovations showcased during the Sydney competition is a prototype device designed to prevent jellyfish blooms from posing a threat to both marine ecosystems and public safety.
“We spent about three months developing this device, and it involved a lot of groundwork.
“It is still a prototype, but we were proud to present it during the FLL 2025 championship,” Ng said.
According to Ng, the AI-powered marine monitoring system utilises a solar-powered smart buoy to detect jellyfish activity in real time.
“The buoy is self-navigating and uses AI vision to identify jellyfish near the shoreline.
“Once detected, the system triggers a digital warning signal, either via a mobile app or nearby tower signage, alerting swimmers and beach-goers to potential danger, much like a digital lifeguard.
“This device provides an early warning system, helping prevent injuries and ecosystem disruption caused by jellyfish blooms,” Ng explained.
She added that the prototype cost approximately USD2,500 to develop.
Ng hopes that government agencies or private sectors such as hoteliers might see the potential and come forward to support or commercialise the product.
“I believe this innovation could be a real-world solution for public safety in the future,” Ng added.
At the international stage, the Nemesis-X Assassins brought pride to both Penang and Malaysia by clinching the Overall Champion’s Award Gold (Grand Champion) and securing second place in the Best Robotic Performance Award.
This achievement marks a historic milestone, the first time since 2017 that Malaysia has secured the overall championship title at an international FLL event.
The team had earlier earned the second runner-up position at the 2024 Malaysia FLL National Open Championship, which led to their selection to represent Malaysia in Sydney.
Ng emphasised the challenges faced during such competitions, stating, “It’s not easy. Your robot needs to be robust, your programming precise, and your execution within the strict time limit. Everything has to come together perfectly.”
She also highlighted how robotics competitions nurture not just technical prowess, but creativity and real-world impact.
“A robotic idea may just be a concept today, but tomorrow it could become a real solution that changes lives,” she said.
With an eye on the future, Ng plans to recruit some of these talented students as junior coaches once they complete Form 5, allowing them to pass down their knowledge and inspire the next generation of robotics enthusiasts.
“It’s not just about building robots, it’s about building people.
“And these students have what it takes to lead and innovate,” Ng concluded.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal