Latest news with #iSH
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Cumbrian college students showcase robotic solutions at RAICo1
Young engineers from three Cumbrian colleges have showcased their creativity and technical skills in a hands-on robotics challenge. Students aged 16 to 18 presented their Robotics Sprint schools challenge creations at an event held at the RAICo1 Robotics and AI Collaboration facility in Whitehaven. The six-week programme, organised by the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) and Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH), tasked students with designing, building, and programming robots to solve a simulated nuclear decommissioning problem. The six-week programme was organised by the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) and Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) (Image: Supplied) Students from West Coast Sixth Form, Energy Coast UTC, and Lakes College West Cumbria developed robots to retrieve and transport high-hazard waste barrels from a mock "hot cell" environment. Kirsty Hewitson, director at RAICo, said: "What a truly marvellous day, thanks to everybody who's contributed to it. "It's amazing to see how enthusiastic and committed the students have been with some phenomenal designs and outcomes. "One of my favourite days of the year." Students presenting their solutions in front of an audience at RAICo1 (Image: Supplied) The challenge included weekly "sprint" sessions, where students worked on mechanical design, coding, and teamwork, guided by industry professionals from the fields of robotics, engineering, and AI. Teams presented their solutions in front of an audience of industry delegates, educators, and judges at the final event. They discussed the challenges they faced, the skills they developed, and gave live demonstrations of their robots in action. The six-week challenge tasked students with designing, building, and programming robots to solve a simulated nuclear decommissioning problem (Image: Supplied) West Coast Sixth Form was named the winning team for their robot, "Better Monty." Abigail Gibbon, one of the winning students, said: "It's made me want to consider robotics in the future." The project gave participants practical experience in applying their studies—such as A levels and T levels in digital and cybersecurity—to real-world engineering problems. The students hailed from West Coast Sixth Form, Energy Coast UTC, and Lakes College West Cumbria (Image: Supplied) Gary McKeating, managing director of iSH, praised the students' performance, saying said: "I'm always amazed by the ability of the students to deliver on a project that only lasts a few weeks. "As well as the technical skills, it's great to see some of the softer skills have been worked on as well. "In particular, Lakes College powering through some challenges early in the sprint and getting to a great conclusion with their robot." The event was supported by volunteers from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Sellafield Ltd. One of the student's robotic creations (Image: Supplied) James Partington, director of engineering policy and impact at IMechE, said: "It was fantastic to see the hard work of the students come to fruition at RAICo1 today. "It was a practical application of science, and they demonstrated an excellent grasp of different engineering disciplines in delivering their demonstrator robots, which will no doubt put them in a strong position as they take steps towards a career in engineering. "The support from the IMechE, iSH, RAICo and industry representatives is very welcome. "Their collaborative effort to inspire and support the next generation of engineers is working well and will benefit the West Cumbria region through the creation of a strong pipeline of future engineers." RAICo and iSH are now encouraging organisations to support future school sprints. Anyone interested is invited to contact communications@ for more information or to register their interest.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Cumbrian women leading the way in robotics
Women in Cumbria are leading the way in one of the most advanced technology sectors in the world. The Cumbria Robotics Cluster, powered by the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) in Cleator Moor, is a group of businesses focused on developing robotic solutions for the nuclear industry and other challenging environments. To mark International Women's Day 2025, key figures in the industry have shared their passion for robotics. Jill Stewart, research professor in systems modelling and optimisation at the University of Cumbria (Image: Supplied) Jill Stewart, a research professor in systems modelling and optimisation at the University of Cumbria, became interested in robotics during her undergraduate degree in mechatronics. She said: "I create computer representations of complex systems to study their behaviour and interactions and ultimately find the best solution to a problem. "My undergraduate degree sparked a lifelong interest in how machines can be designed to do useful things. "I'm really inspired by recent developments in AI that have opened a new world of possibilities for robots to take on difficult and dangerous jobs so that people can do interesting and important work." Amanda Smith, UAV programme lead at Sellafield Ltd (Image: Supplied) Amanda Smith, the UAV programme lead at Sellafield Ltd, said robotics is an exciting sector to work in. She said: "I have worked at Sellafield for 26 years and have developed skills in various areas including radiometrics, E&I craftsperson and work management. "The UAV role was a wildcard career move for me knowing nothing about drones, but one I'm pleased I took the chance on. "I've developed the UAV capability over the last six years and am proud to deliver benefits from using robotics both on the Sellafield site and across the NDA estate. "It's great to see the use of new technologies to keep people away from harm and to overcome difficult engineering challenges, some of which have been long-standing issues. "It's exciting to see what we can do with robotics today and what is to come from the continually evolving options." Kayleigh Daniels, head of development at React Engineering (Image: Supplied) Kayleigh Daniels, head of development at React Engineering, specialists in nuclear decommissioning based in Cleator Moor, said: "What really attracted me to the sector was the complexity and unique nature of the problems. "Some of the challenges really are pushing beyond the forefront of current science and technology and the advancements in these areas create an evolving picture; making finding the best solutions exciting and ever-changing. "I'm still a passionate pragmatist, however robotics and technology give us smarter and safer ways to solve intractable problems." The Cumbria Robotics Cluster was launched by iSH in 2024 with the aim of bringing together organisations with a shared vision to collaborate and elevate Cumbria as a global centre of excellence in robotics engineering and problem-solving. iSH programme director Miranda Kirschel, who received an MBE for services to equal opportunities in the nuclear industry, said: "Cumbria's capability in robotics - one of the most rapidly advancing sectors in the world, is renowned. "Women are leading the way in key roles in a number of our cluster member companies; it's fantastic to be able to show the next generation that robotics is a genuine career pathway for them and to inspire future advanced engineers."
