Two robotic dogs used for monitoring kitchens. The robots were invented by seven primary school students from Harbin. [Photo/my399.com]

A robotic dog invented by primary school students from Harbin won a gold medal at this year’s Strasbourg International Invention Exhibition –– the first time a Chinese primary school delegation has won gold.

Strasbourg International Invention Exhibition is a global invention fair held in Strasbourg, France since 1902, which was initiated by a police chief of Paris.

It is the seventh time that a Chinese delegation has participated in the invention exhibition. Electronic information, environmental protection, mechanical automation and biotechnology are included among the delegations’ competition items.

The award-winning robotic dog is an electronic monitoring device used in kitchens. The device will bark like a dog to indicate when food is burning or when there has been a spillage.

The inventors of the robotic dog –– seven primary school students from Harbin –– took their inspiration from their mothers’ cooking experiences, and it is expected to help make kitchens safer.

As well as the gold medal won by the Harbin students, the Chinese delegation also won a bronze medal thanks to an invention designed for checked baggage on aircraft.