New Robotics Challenge to focus on the environment
Published: 31 October, 2019
Over 550 schools are set to take part in this year’s Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge and have the chance to be crowned UK winners at the competition finals taking place at The Big Bang Fair in March 2020.
The students will build, program and control LEGO robots for a series of environmentally themed missions to discover what engineers can do to create a cleaner, more sustainable world.
As part of the Challenge, the student teams will build a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 robot and program it to complete a speed and control test and perform a set of environmentally themed tasks such as planting a tree. Students will also work as a team to present an idea of how engineers can help future-proof the world.
Dr Hilary Leevers, CEO of EngineeringUK, said: “We’ve seen young people around the world coming together to demand action over climate change. The next generation can be part of the solution by choosing engineering careers that will be central to generating affordable and sustainable energy, and to solving other global challenges that they care about, like access to clean water and sanitation. We need creative thinkers with a range of skills and perspectives working together to secure our future.
“The new environmental challenge was chosen for the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge to address an issue that many of us are passionate about and inspire students as they discover exciting new skills and careers in engineering, technology, robotics and computing.”
Demand for engineering skills is high and will continue to rise in the future – EngineeringUK estimates that the UK needs tens of thousands more engineers annually.
Dr Leevers adds: “Communicating the breadth and variety of engineering careers to young people is vital for the future of the UK economy, if the engineering community is to keep inspiring the next generation of engineers.”
Now in its fifth year the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge encourages young people to put coding and team work skills to work. The Challenge aims to help students discover exciting new careers allowing schools to achieve some of their Gatsby benchmarks. As well as students, teachers also benefit from taking part in the Challenge and are well-supported through professional development training days and online mentoring.
Marc Fleming, headteacher of McLaren High School in Callander, Scotland and reoccurring UK finalists, said: “For those teachers who have attended Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge competitions, they have all stated that the process has improved wellbeing outcomes, through increased confidence, improved self-esteem and a greater enthusiasm for STEM subjects.
“If you are a school who is thinking of taking part for the first time, do not hesitate in taking up the challenge, your young people will love it.”
To find out more and apply to be a volunteer, visit: www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/robotics
