No more climbing

The exciting field of robotics is rapidly growing in popularity in today's society, as more tasks are being completed by robots. Broadly categorised as machines capable of executing a series of automated or semi-automated complex actions, robots are an integral part of our future.

The Manufacturing, Mechanical and Entrepreneurship Engineering (MME) Unit at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is leading the way to the future by educating a cadre of roboticists, who are adept at the design, construction and operation of robots.

Led by highly qualified Instructors, the Unit places emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship through engineering, as it fosters the creativity of students to design and build robots, which can revolutionise the way in which difficult, and even simple tasks are completed. Through its dynamic, interactive programmes, which are fully accredited both locally and internationally, the MME Unit intends to widen the country's, and by extension the region's, involvement in the field of robotics as it stands to benefit economically from an industrial prespective.

Some of the designs by UTT's MME students include a robot which can harvest coconuts from trees up to a height of 50 feet. This technology aims to reduce harvesting time for large-scale production and can mitigate the risk of injury. Other devices include a robot which can successfully steer itself through obstacle courses, and an aerial drone capable of harvesting mangoes. With a limitless imagination and pushing the boundaries further, one student also conceptualised and built a robot which teaches persons to pick up their trash, aptly called Litterbot.

These robots have the potential for large-scale commercial viability and the growth of productivity and efficiency in different sectors.

Through in-depth research driven by new technological advances, The University of Trinidad and Tobago is well-poised to adapt to the rapidly changing automated environment, as robots continue to form a part of our everyday lives.

The Design and Manufacturing Engineering Unit offers a suite of programmes from the Bachelor's to the Doctor of Philosophy levels.

Visit www.u.tt/design for more information on UTT's Design and Manufacturing Engineering programmes.