Institution news
The 2019 challenge, which is organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers is now open, and teams have until the 11th of January to register.
In its fifth year, the HAC is the Institution’s leading apprentice competition, offering young engineers from around the globe a chance to design and manufacture an exciting new home or garden product. Winners receive a £2000 prize and valuable exposure within the industry.
“It’s a way of pitting yourself against other apprentices and seeing where your skill levels are at,” says 19-year-old Callum Franks, one of the 2018 winners. “It’s a really good way to network and to meet people. Being an apprentice you spend a lot of time trying new things and developing new skills. This is a way to test what you already know, but also to learn.”
Callum and his fellow engineering apprentice at PA Consulting Group, Oliver de Roeck, won the 2018 Challenge with their automated pet station, which allows dog owners to feed their pooches remotely, via a mobile app. In future, the device could be adapted to feed a range of animals, from rabbits to cows, and may see the incorporation of motion sensors and cameras. Callum says there are discussions about taking the pet station, or a similar product, to market.
“It’s a lot of fun and it helps get your name out there,” he says. “People notice and you tend to get more interesting work. So go ahead and enter!”
For Callum, the toughest part was coming up with the right idea. After that, even though he and Oliver were only able to meet once a week, the project kept them hooked and Callum even learnt some computer programming along the way.
The pet station faced tough competition. There were smart window blinds and mirrors, automated medicine dispensers and a secure trap door for parcel deliveries. Parcel Smart, designed by a team of apprentices from Aston Martin, received a Highly Commended Award from the judges.
“It enabled us to work as a team and it enhanced our skills,” says the team’s Ben Newman. “You need to be organised. You need to know how to manage a project. It helps you learn how to handle workloads. It’s really worth doing. I recommend it.”
Ben’s advice to those who want to compete is simple: “Be organised, make a plan from the start, distribute the work equally and stick with it.”
Callum agrees: “It’s a really good opportunity to further your knowledge and to push yourself that extra bit.”
Both winners are continuing their studies and apprenticeships and are taking their creations to the Smart Factory Expo in Liverpool, where they will reach a wider audience. They are also attending the annual TMMX award ceremony. Callum says if they decide to enter again, they will have to come up with a completely new idea.
Find out more about the 2019 Home Automation Challenge. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.