Students to dive into underwater robot conflict

Third-level students are to engage in underwater robot wars as part of the first innovation week organised by the Irish Maritime and Energy Research Cluster.

Students from Cork Institute of Technology, University College Cork, and the Naval Service will be given Wavin pipes, basic motors, and electronic equipment which they will have to turn into an underwater robot within a day.

Their finished products will then be put in a tank at UCC’s Hydraulic & Maritime Research Centre, where the one which successfully negotiates a series of underwater obstacles in the quickest time will be declared the winner.

The ‘Imerc Mechathon’ will be overseen by experts who will be on hand to advise and help the students.

It is one of the highlights of Innovation Week, which runs across the city and county from October 15-18.

Global yachting superstar Alex Thomson will speak about his life on Thursday, October 16, at 8pm in an open lecture at the Millennium Hall, City Hall.

Mr Thomson is the youngest sailor to win a round-the-world race and has already broken three world records.

Imerc spokesman Martin Wall said its Innovator of the Year winner will be announced during the week.

“It’s open to anyone living both North and South who has developed innovative technology, product, service, or a process that will positively influence the development of Ireland’s maritime and energy economy. Entries can be made up to October 6,” Mr Wall said.

At 1pm on Wednesday, October 15, Ian Venner of Ernst & Young, who has spent much of his career working across the technology, entrepreneurial, and energy sectors, will deliver a lecture at National Maritime College of Ireland.

Events at Imerc innovation week are free but registration is required.

- For further information, see imerc.ie