Students get a taste of robotics research

Posted on: 24 April 2018

Last week, researchers and students from Trinity gave an interactive demonstration of robotics research at Gaelscoil Cholmcille National School in Coolock (D17).

The demo was organised as part of the outreach activities undertaken by Trinity’s School of Engineering in order to engage children in Engineering, Maths, Science and Technology.

The event was organised by Professor in Bio-engineering at Trinity, Caitríona Lally, and Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Trinity, Conor McGinn.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the students learned to create their own robots using cardboard, tinfoil, recycled toys and a host of other parts. On the day, they were introduced to ‘Stevie the robot’ in person and given a demonstration of its capabilities. They were able to ask it questions and even play a card game with the robot.

The event was coordinated by Engineers Ireland and was attended by several politicians including Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, and Seán Haughey, Fianna Fáil.

Professor Caitríona Lally said: “It is important to encourage and inspire children to start developing the skills required for the technologies of the future — these children are our future engineers, entrepreneurs and technological innovators. Events like this can help to do that in a fun and interactive way.”