Young Women in Queimados Develop Smart Flood Prevention System
Four young women from Queimados develop a smart system using robotics to prevent urban flooding, promoting female leadership in technology.
- • Four female students developed a smart flood prevention system in Queimados.
- • The system uses sensors and pumps to monitor and manage excess water during heavy rains.
- • Project is part of the Meninas da Inovação program and inspired by free courses at Casa da Inovação Ziraldo.
- • The initiative aims to empower girls in science and technology and is aligned with smart city concepts.
Key details
In Queimados, a city in the Baixada Fluminense region, four young female students have created an innovative flood prevention system to address the challenges posed by heavy rainfall. This project, part of the Meninas da Inovação program, emerged from skills gained through free robotics and programming courses at Casa da Inovação Ziraldo, a municipal initiative that has been offering such education for two years.
The prototype, designed by Anna Bhella (12), Aurora Couto (11), Isabela Gaspar (12), and Kamilly Eduarda (15), simulates a neighborhood environment and utilizes sensors to monitor water levels. When water exceeds a safe threshold, the system automatically activates pumps to redirect the surplus to a reservoir, preventing flooding in homes and vulnerable areas. The excess water is also intended for municipal use in urban cleaning services without the need for treatment.
This preventive and responsive approach aligns with smart city concepts and is currently under evaluation by the city's Works and Civil Defense departments for integration into Queimados’ micro-drainage infrastructure. The project presentation coincides with International Women’s Day and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, highlighting the role of women in technological innovation.
Kamilly Eduarda expressed, "Learning robotics made me realize technology can help solve our city's problems. Participating in this project was special because we turned what we learned into something that can help many people. I believe women also need to have a leading role." Mayor Glauco Kaizer stressed the importance of encouraging girls in science and technology, stating that women are not just users but creators of technology.
Dayane Aragoso, municipal secretary of Projects and Agreements, emphasized that educational initiatives like Casa da Inovação reduce historical inequalities and boost female representation in key strategic sectors for Brazil's development. Since its inception, Casa da Inovação Ziraldo has prepared residents for the digital era while fostering innovative solutions to future urban challenges.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
