National Manufacturing Day 2023

On September 28th, as part of the UK-wide National Manufacturing Day 2023, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting 13 students from Bohunt School. The day was far from a typical school outing; it was an immersive, hands-on experience designed to ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through the fascinating world of manufacturing.

The students arrived with a sense of curiosity, eager to explore and learn. We kicked off the day by dividing them into two groups for a comprehensive tour led by Nigel, our CEO and James, our CTO. The tour set the stage for the day, offering a behind-the-scenes look at our facility and the intricate processes that go into manufacturing. The students were great and asked several questions that demonstrated their keen interest in how things are made.

Next, we moved to the NeuroTherm line, our flagship radio frequency lesion generator designed for effective management of chronic pain. Jeff and Wayne explained the manufacturing process and how the machine works. The students got to witness an experiment involving chicken breast and egg white, demonstrating the machine’s capabilities. This hands-on experience helped to make the complex science behind the machine accessible and engaging.

The excitement continued with a Raider demonstration. Raider is high-impact, robust gym equipment designed to gamify activities like medicine ball slams and hammer throws, and Morgan have been a key player in the manufacturing process. The students were pitted against each other in a friendly competition to see who could score the most points. This activity was not just fun but also educational, highlighting the role of technology in modern manufacturing, and the importance of physical fitness in a well-rounded STEM education!

Then came Zeus, our anti-snoring device that has been successfully trialled for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. The students learned about the science behind the device and even had the opportunity to wear one of the Zeus devices to feel how the stimulation works. It was a moment that bridged the gap between theory and practice, showing the students that science isn’t confined to textbooks but has real-world applications that can improve quality of life.

Howard then took the students on a visual journey highlighting the development process for one of our earliest innovations. The Cart is a system designed for high-sensitivity caesium vapour magnetometer sensors and has been instrumental in making groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, including revealing a previously unknown Roman settlement near the iconic Silbury Hill in Wiltshire. It was a lighter moment that added a touch of humour to the day, but it also emphasised the importance of creativity and innovation in manufacturing.

Our SimStriker Humanoid Robot was next on the agenda. SimStriker is an AI-driven military target used by the British Army for training. The students watched a BBC interview about the equipment, and Gaz stepped in to explain its workings. The robot served as a perfect example of how advanced technology and engineering skills can come together to create something extraordinary, illustrating the intersection of AI and military applications.

The creativity challenge was the final activity, and it was a hit. The students teamed up to build bridges using an assortment of materials like straws, paper, cards, blue tack, string, lollipop sticks, paper clips, and Sellotape. The challenge was not just a test of their engineering skills but also of their ability to collaborate and think creatively. The best team was rewarded with a prize, adding a competitive edge to the learning experience.

We wrapped up the day with refreshments and a Q&A session. The students had questions, lots of them, and we were more than happy to provide answers. It was a moment of reflection, not just for the students but also for us showing the immense potential that such hands-on experiences hold in shaping young minds and influencing future career choices.

It also seemed to have been a hit with our visitors who shared some great feedback with us:

• Engineering is so diverse and interesting.
• OMG, the company said I can do work experience there and put it on my CV ready for college.
• Interesting to learn about all the different opportunities – great day!
• I found it very interesting how the circuit boards and PCBs were made.
• There are so many opportunities in engineering and the manufacturing industry – I had no idea.
• I can’t believe a local company makes robots for the army to train with. The robots actually shoot back at the soldiers, and they can see and hear!

It must be said that our day hosting the Bohunt School students as part of National Manufacturing Day 2023 was a resounding success. It was a day filled with learning, exploration, and fun. More importantly, it served as a powerful reminder of the impact that early exposure to STEM can have. Looking back at the day’s events, many of our team have mentioned a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what the future holds for these budding scientists and engineers.