Institution news
Teams of apprentices from businesses, colleges and training providers of engineering and manufacturing technologies from across the country are set to exhibit prototypes they have designed and manufactured to make a job in the home or garden easier.
This year, teams have been asked to design a device that assists people with disabilities with day- to -day tasks. 2019 prototypes on show at the finals include:
- Automated pizza cutter
- Automated sweet dispenser
- Face recognition cupboard lock
- Automated irrigation system
- Linear accessibility shelf
Jason Yearsley, Chair of the
Home Automation Challenge said:
“The teams of the Home Automation Challenge (HAC) never cease to impress. Their hard work and ingenuity shines through and the quality of the products produced improves year on year. As the Chair of the challenge steering group, I feel privileged to be involved in organising the challenge, thereby giving apprentices the opportunity to showcase and develop their talents.
It has been very rewarding to hear how much the participants have enjoyed taking part in the challenge and to hear about the skills they have had the chance to develop at an early stage in their careers.
The apprentices of today are critical for the future of manufacturing and engineering and the Home Automation Challenge demonstrates that the future is in great hands. I am extremely excited for the HAC 2019 competition to see what the teams have in store for us this year and please feel welcome to join us at the final’s day to celebrate their achievements.”
There are several winning categories: peer review winner, The Manufacturer sponsored runner up prize of £500 and the overall winner that will receive a £2000 prize to invest in their prototype.
The winner will also be invited to exhibit their prototype at the
2019 Smart Factory Expo and attend the
2019 Manufacturer MX Awards sponsored by The Manufacturer and the Institution.
For the first time, the
Home Automation Challenge will be running a STEM Outreach Programme. Students from local Primary and Secondary schools have been invited to come and meet the apprentices, view the prototypes and have a tour of the Manufacturing Technology Centre. They will also be invited to take part in a range of STEM activities run by the MTC’s Tilly Shilling Programme.
“The Tilly Shilling Group is the Manufacturing Technology Centre’s initiative to promote diversity and inclusivity in Engineering. We are excited to welcome students on site at the MTC to take part in a number of Design and Build workshops as well as see our facilities and get an insight into engineering.” Agata Suwla, Technology Manager Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Tilly Schilling.
The STEM Programme has been introduced to inspire the next generation and introduce them to the engineering profession in a fun and practical way!
The exhibition will be open to the general public, where attendees will also be asked to join the networking drinks culminating in the award ceremony.
For more information or to book your free ticket follow the link to the
Eventbrite page.
For more information about the event please visit the
event page or email
hac@imechenearyou.org.