World-leading innovators set to inspire young audiences at free event celebrating robots

Cutting-edge robotic creations will head to the West Midlands this spring to immerse curious minds into the world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Robot Day will make its long-awaited return to Coventry in March, with world-leading innovators and garden-shed makers gearing up to entertain and educate visitors with inspiring displays and innovative fun and games.

The free event, taking place on Saturday, March 18 at Coventry College, will feature hands-on exhibits, workshops and talks from across the robotics industry, with local and international partners gathering for Robot Day’s first flagship exhibition since 2019.

More than 5,000 people attended the previous Robot Day, and organisers Derrick Willer and Stephen Powley are hoping to recruit around 100 volunteers for the 2023 event, which is also supported by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Imagineering Foundation.
The project partners hope to inspire and educate young people and the influential people in their lives about careers in STEAM through creative workshops, activities, displays, exhibits, and talks on robotics, automation and AI.

Stephen, who is a PhD candidate at Coventry University, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Robot Day will be returning to Coventry to showcase the value of robotics, automation and AI to society. The event will bring together expertise from across the UK to increase public participation, promote diversity and inclusion in STEAM and address the skills shortage in the sector.

“We have hosted smaller events online and in-person over the last couple of years, but are thrilled to be returning with are full-scale exhibition in March.

“Coventry College is the perfect venue for us in the heart of a city that is renowned for its work in the technological industries, and we hope that its central location means that Robot Day will be accessible to people of all backgrounds and ages.

“We are looking forward to revealing our full line-up in the weeks ahead, so keep an eye out on our social media pages for updates as we have some truly exciting people and exhibits to announce.”

Derrick, who was appointed MBE for services to education in 2018, added: “Volunteers are vital to the running of the event on the day and helping to spread the word. We are working with students from Coventry College to provide work experience around the event across photography and social media marketing, but are always looking for volunteers to support exhibitors, workshops and wayfinding on the day.”

Gemma Knott, Vice Principal Business Growth, Engagement & Partnerships at Coventry College, said: “Coventry College is delighted to be hosting Robot Day 2023, with a range of incredible exhibitors joining us on campus on 18 March, and some amazing opportunities for our students to get involved.

“The Robot Day team put on a fantastic event last time they were in the city, and we hope that even more young people and their families will join us this time around.”

Robot Day is free to attend. Pre-booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Book at: www.robotday.co.uk

To volunteer at Robot Day 2023 visit the Robot Day website.