On the 16th of March 2024, an eagerly anticipated event, the 'Robot Day', sponsored by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), unfolded at Coventry College. This event, echoing the success of the previous year's programme, saw the return of Aston University alongside other esteemed Midlands-based universities at the vibrant Coventry city center venue.
The gathering was a melting pot of diverse attendees, ranging from curious pre-schoolers and eager primary and secondary school students to college and university scholars, not to mention a significant number of professional practitioners from the robotics and engineering fields.
The focus was on showcasing the cutting-edge autonomous vehicle development integral to the Aston University MSc programme in Future Vehicle Technologies. This programme leverages the groundbreaking educational tool, the 'Control Lab in-a-Box' (CLB), an initiative spearheaded by Dr James E Pickering. Dr. Pickering, a Lecturer in Control Engineering at Aston University and a former Research Assistant at CTAC, has been instrumental in bringing this innovative teaching facility to life.
The event also highlighted the contributions of other participating universities: the University of Birmingham, Coventry University, and Harper-Adams University, each bringing their unique perspectives and projects to the table. Together, these institutions not only demonstrated the latest advancements in robotics but also fostered an environment of learning, collaboration, and inspiration for all attendees.
