Public Engagement

Public and schools engagement

Public engagement is an important part of our work and robots are highly effective tools for stimulating interest in STEM subjects. There is increasing public awareness and acceptance of the smart and intelligent devices as useful and intelligent assistants in our lives.

BRL runs and collaborates in exciting public engagement projects at a number of locations in Bristol and the region. However, a demanding set of research programs and a full teaching schedule keep us very busy so unfortunately we do not have resources to welcome schools or community groups on site for general tours and workshops. We are also unable to support school work experience placements.

If you are a local state primary or secondary school looking for a STEM Ambassador visit, please contact us here.

Many of our research projects also include specific public engagement activities:

Robots vs Animals A creative collaboration between the BRL, UWE Science Communication Unit and Bristol Zoo to explore the idea of bio-mimicry.
Prof. Alan Winfield Prof. Alan Winfield presents, blogs and tweets on a range of robotics-related topics.
Tangible Networks A public engagement project to help communicate ideas about complexity through hands-on activities.
Digi Makers A series of free workshops for young people (aged 7-17) interested in electronics and computing.
Being There The study brings robots to public spaces in Bristol to record and improve human-robot interaction experiences. © Inria Photo H. Raguet
Animeyes An animatronic robotic art installation of three large mechanical winged eyes that light up and move in reaction to their environment.
Bristol BioEnergy Centre Microbial fuel cells demonstrate how waste products such as dirty water and urine can produce electricity.
Events, competitions and local projects BRL projects and staff participate in a number of public-facing events, competitions and projects.

Educational Services

We also support several young companies that provide excellent educational products and services, including visits to schools, robotics starter kits and training. Please contact these companies using the links below to hear more about their products and services.

• Agilic - Visit the Workshops page
• Dawn Robotics
• Restech

Page last updated 4 March 2019