Robotic arm design grabs gold level status

A robotic arm prototype has picked up gold level recognition for Walsall College’s engineering students.  EDT (Engineering Development Trust) has commended the seven students for their expert design, developed through an industry-led programme.

Neil Sambrook, Head of Cluster for Construction, Engineering and Science said: “The students’ efforts have been very impressive.  Working with the University of Wolverhampton, they relished  tackling a real-life problem as if they were in the workplace.”

A team at the University of Wolverhampton, set out the project and provided mentoring.  They tasked the students’ with creating a prototype to lift objects of different sizes, shapes and weight.

The student group had to demonstrate their planning and design work by completing a logbook and preparing presentations.

As part of the brief, they also enjoyed a site tour at Telford-based Bauromat UK Ltd, who design and manufacture robotic and automation systems.

Neil Sambrook added: “The whole experience has been confidence-boosting.  It’s helped the students choose industry areas to specialise in over the next few years.”

Artur Pozanski was one of the students taking part.

“Designing something for an actual organisation felt satisfying for everyone,” he said.  “The whole project gave us the chance to try new things.  It pushed us to learn more and improve, especially with CAD software.  It’s inspired me to study robotics and mechatronics at university next year.”

Fellow student, Andre Groves added: “We’re happy with what we achieved.  It wasn’t easy balancing the project work with our regular course assignments, especially through lockdown.  But we all wanted to keep going.

“It’s been brilliant seeing the industry from the inside and meeting other experts.”

EDT offer young people active learning experiences in STE(A)M related careers.  This gives them the opportunity to gain knowledge and exposure that will help them make decisions about their future.