​Robot dog encourages students to reach for the sky

A £100,000 talking robot dog was the star of the show at a careers day aimed at launching the next generation of young aviators.

Budding aerospace pilots and engineers from Ripon Grammar, Nidderdale High and St Francis Xavier schools enjoyed a series of fascinating talks and demonstrations from industry experts.

But the most fascinating presentation of all was undoubtedly delivered by Spot, the four-legged AI robot dog.

Year 10 and lower sixth form students had the chance to get up close and personal with the Boston Dynamics’ pioneering caninoid creation at the event, held at Ripon Grammar School.

As the mechanised quadruped moved freely around the sports hall, it interacted with students and answered their many questions, communicating in several languages including Tamil, Russian, Polish and Hungarian.

It could even tell jokes, such as: ‘Why did the robot put on weight? Because it had too many bytes’.

The event was organised through the Schools’ Aerospace Careers Programme charity (ACP), alongside RGS head of careers, Bob Walker.

In addition to Spot, speakers Chris Marshall, Lee Mason and Mike Stokes talked about pilot career paths, using virtual reality and AI in the creative industries and the ‘fifth industrial revolution’.

Students also experienced some fantastic hands-on activities including the use of virtual reality headsets, drone flight simulators and designing in virtual reality and they were encouraged to sign up for a free online course to kickstart their aerospace career journey (see link below).

Mr Walker commented: “Students really enjoyed this informative, fun-filled day and it is hoped it becomes an annual event in our school calendar.”

Some of the comments from students include: "It was a great day where I learned lots. Meeting Spot the robotic dog was my favourite part!

"It is great to see virtual reality adapted into education.

"The virtual reality design space was really cool, and I absolutely loved the robot dog!

“I am definitely considering the aerospace sector as a career option.”

Useful links:

Online certified aerospace course

Explore the Future of Aviation & Technology – The Schools' Aerospace Careers Programme

The Schools’ Aerospace Careers Programme

Home Page – The Schools' Aerospace Careers Programme

*ACP exists to support all young people and educational establishments across the UK with external, independent, up-to-date careers advice in respect of engineering-based industries, especially aerospace, and aviation. It works with its industry partners and schools to provide its services free of charge.

Spot the robot in action

Drone Flight Simulators

Mr Walker’s 3D printed NASA spaceman, which took seven hours to print!

Virtual Reality Headsets

Designing using industry standard Virtual Reality software