On the 22nd of May, GBSIoT hosted the inaugural GBSIoT CONNECT event, marking a significant milestone in showcasing the achievements of students and staff within the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) consortium. The first event of its kind at the GBSIoT Hub, this event epitomised the spirit of collaboration and innovation among partner institutions.
The event’s highlight was the student poster competition, where participants presented their projects, developed using GBSIoT equipment, facilities, and data, to a panel of partner staff and employers. Students from Birmingham City University, South and City College, the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and University College Birmingham showcased their work. This competition provided a platform for students to demonstrate their creativity and hard work, engaging in informal discussions about their projects with the judges and audience. The competition was judged anonymously by two of our key partners, Steve Jones from Siemens plc and Babak Jahanbani from Didactic Services ltd. They were extremely impressed with all entries and found choosing a top three very difficult.
First place in the poster competition was awarded to Samuel Richards for his project titled “Process Improvement – Vibration Damping AGVs using Measurement and Simulation.” His investigation delved into the vibration dynamics of the Festo Robotino, combining simulations and empirical testing to uncover opportunities for enhancing system stability. Although initial simulations overestimated vibration levels, these discrepancies helped refine modelling approaches, emphasizing a need for better representation of material behaviours. Empirical tests validated the simulations and highlighted effective strategies, such as strategic damper placement. The project advocates for continuing this dual approach to balance accuracy and usability, setting a foundation for future advances in omnidirectional robotic systems.
Joint second place was awarded to Christopher Resuello for his project “Development of an Industrial IoT Dashboard for Enhancing Productivity Performance Analysis in the GBS IoT Cyber-Physical Lab” and Carlos D’Aguiar for his project “Development of a Factory Twin of the CP Lab/Factory at GBS IoT.” Both projects showcased advanced technological solutions aimed at enhancing productivity and operational efficiency, demonstrating the high level of talent and innovation within the consortium.
Third place was awarded to a team of four students from South and City College—Aditya Dil, Will Scriven, Siraaj Mohammed, and Haroun Kapadia—for their project titled “The Caleta Tortel Electrification Project.” Their collaborative effort in designing a sustainable electrification solution for a remote village highlighted the practical applications of their studies and the positive impact of technological education on real-world challenges.
In addition to the competition, the event featured a celebratory lunch and networking session. This relaxed environment allowed attendees to exchange ideas and celebrate the consortium’s collaborative achievements, fostering a sense of community among participants.
The afternoon was dedicated to Insight Sessions, where staff from five of the GBSIoT partners—Birmingham City University, Aston University, South and City College, BMet College, and University College Birmingham—shared their curriculum innovations and plans. These 15-minute presentations offered educators a chance to inspire one another and highlight their contributions to the consortium. The Insight Sessions aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing and encourage the adoption of best practices across the consortium, ensuring all partners benefit from each other’s experiences and expertise.
The inaugural GBSIoT CONNECT event was a resounding success, highlighting the incredible work being done within the consortium and providing a platform for further collaboration and innovation. As the consortium looks to the future, it aims to continue building on this momentum, fostering an environment where students and staff can thrive and contribute to the advancement of technical education.
This event not only celebrated present achievements but also set the stage for future successes, ensuring that the GBSIoT consortium remains at the forefront of technological education and innovation.
