On Thursday, 9th November Great Torrington School welcomed in Howmet Aerospace and Careers Southwest Group to deliver the Howmet Aerospace Robot Innovation Challenge with over 80 Year 10 Computer Science and/or Design Technology pupils taking part.

 

The day started off with presentations from Theo Beech and Jess Morris (Assoc CIPD) of Howmet Aerospace about their job roles, and the industry that they work in. They explained the manufacturing processes involved in making their products and where robots are used and how it is a growing part of modern manufacturing.

 

Sam Ansell from CSW Group launched the First Lego League Robot Challenge that the pupils can take part in through the enrichment programme at GTS.

 

Pupils were then split into small working groups; they were challenged to think up innovative ideas of what a robot could do and what problems it might solve. They had to build a business plan and identify their customers and stakeholders, identify any competitors, and present their solution. Some creative and innovative ideas to solutions were pitched to an audience of STEM Ambassadors, teachers, and peers. Some pupils described the challenge like being in Dragon's Den, with pupils responding well to being asked some tough questions!

 

Each team was complimented on their excellent presentations.

 

Congratulations to our overall winners, 'Esago Robotics', who came up with a robotic care machine. They were presented with certificate and a goody bag from Howmet.

 

Winning Team members are Ophelia Latham, Sadie Curtis, Erin Queen, Ashlan White, and Grace Barker.

 

GTS are looking forward to working more with Theo and Jess from Howmet and CSW group as we launch our first team in the First Lego League Robotics Competition this academic year.