15th April 2019
Harper Adams host young engineers on a discovery of robotics
From 2nd – 4th April, almost sixty young engineering students ranging from age 13 up to 17, benefited from a unique hands-on learning experience at Harper Adams University.
Two, three-day residential programmes were organised by The Smallpeice Trust to provide students with the opportunity to learn about engineering through a series of technical lectures and design-and-make projects.
Students on the Mobile Robotic Engineering course learned all about vehicle mobility, traction, suspension design, steering, and transmission systems through hands-on workshops with the experts, who included university professors and master’s students.
The Off Road Vehicle Engineering Course taught students all about the effects of different terrain on vehicle traction and the best solutions to combat problems. They were also tasked with designing and building their own off-road vehicle model to compete in a vehicle mobility challenge.
A student on the Off Road Vehicle Engineering Course said “It was tough at first but I learned much more as the course went on. It was great fun building and testing the vehicles.”
Ashley Rowley Education Officer for the Trust said: “The students were totally engaged in the activities and displayed a real passion for meeting challenges and solving problems. The UK has a pressing need for outstanding scientists and engineers, and The Smallpeice Trust courses are an excellent way of showing our most capable young people the attractions of a fascinating scientific career”
The courses are designed to enhance students’ aptitude for creative thinking, design and engineering and was especially geared to complement the National Curriculum.
Accommodation, food and supervision at the university is included, as well as combined social activities on campus of an evening.