Institution news
Throughout the day, the panel of judges evaluated the team's eight-month-long project. This included a detailed design specification, precise manufacturing instructions, a user-friendly manual, and a compelling business case for a prototype product designed to automate common tasks in home, garden or office.
Each team member must work across mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineering disciplines to bring their prototypes to fruition and then answer questions during the formal judging process.
In addition to impressing the judges and securing the overall win, Peter Metcalfe, Melissa Hobbs, Joseph Grice, Ryan Rickards, Tom Butcher and George Richardson from It's All Under Control also won the Peer Review Award, voted for by the other teams at the finals.
2023 also saw first time entrants Team Luffing Legends from NiftyLift take home the Highly Commended Award for the development of their food handling device.
The organisations who participated in this year’s Apprentice Automation Challenge and their projects are as follows:
- Nifty Lift – Team Luffing Legends – Food Handling Device
- Leonardo – Team It’s All Under Control - Step Smart
- Leonardo – Team Failed Wonderkids – Smart Plug
- Leonardo – Team Viva Smart – 3D Printing Material Re-Cycler
- Leonardo – Team Yolanda’s Angels – FedUp Pets
- Springboard Pro – Team Marvellous Creations – SmartHeap
- MTC/Amazon – Team Prodigy – BoxE
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Manufacturing Industries Division’s Young Members Committee would like to thank The Manufacturer and The Manufacturing Technology Centre for their continued support of the Apprentice Automation Challenge.
Finally, the Institution would like to thank all teams for taking part in the Apprentice Automation Challenge 2023 and we hope that you enjoyed the experience of working toward a real-world product and that you will use the knowledge and skills gained this year in the next steps of your careers.
The Apprentice Automation Challenge will open for new registrations towards the end of 2023, please bookmark the Challenge website, mark your calendars and we look forward to welcoming new and returning teams next year.