Youngsters design their ‘machines of the future’

Budding engineers, software designers and artists showed off their creations after taking part in a week-long programme hosted jointly by the University of Derby.

Young people between the ages of 13 and 17 were invited to take part in the Machines of the Future Showcase; an initiative exploring the intersection between art and engineering, organised by the university, its spin-out company S.H.E.D. and creative arts charity UK New Artists.

It saw participants delve into Derby’s rich industrial heritage, engage in hands-on activities, and visit local institutions, including Bloc Digital, to gain inspiration to build their own ‘machines of the future’.

The machines – a variety of models created using Lego and 3D images that were designed using specialist software – were displayed for guests at an event held for parents, carers and representatives from the University of Derby and UKNA, at the university’s Kedleston Road campus.

Dr Rhiannon Jones, associate professor (civic practice) at the University of Derby, project lead and chief executive of S.H.E.D., said: “The objective for this project was to provide a platform for young people to showcase their artistic and engineering talents, and for their views on the issues that matter to them.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to UKNA – a charity that champions the next wave of creativity – for their efforts; working in partnership with them has been an absolute joy, as has meeting all the talented young people who have taken part in the project.”