Robotics challenge in Kuala Lumpur

A team of three University academics from the Faculty of Engineering and Design have just returned from Kuala Lumpur where they ran a series of exciting robotics challenges in 6 key schools.

Dr Manuchehr Soleimani, Dr Sally Clift and Dr Pejman Iravani spent a week visiting schools in and around Kuala Lumpur, many of which regularly send students to Bath for undergraduate study.

The aim of the robotic challenge was to introduce outstanding A-level students to engineering through a practical and competitive activity. Students worked in teams and designed and programmed a racing robot. At the end of the day, the team decided on the best-performing robot and awarded prizes to the challenge winners.

Team-work and problem solving

Dr Iravani who designed the robotic activity said - "We designed the activity to give students a flavour of what engineering is about. It involved team-work in solving a challenging problem with limited time
and resources. From an academic perspective, students learned about robotic sensors, actuators, control and programming, it gave them a really good feel for what cross-disciplinary engineering involves."

Dr Soleimani, director of studies for the new Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degree, introduced students to the degree, which is directly relevant to the activity.

Dr Clift, who deals with international admissions to the Faculty of Engineering & Design, said "The students were extremely impressive and tackled the acitvity with enthusiasm and skill. It was a real pleasure to work with them and I am sure they will make very good undergraduate engineering students in the future".

The visit was organised by Jo Power in the International Office "Being able to offer exciting activities that really engage students is an important part of our recruitment activity, as it distinguishes us from other universities that are also working hard to attract good Malaysian students."