Southern Regional College seeks public help in naming pair of humanoid robots

Southern Regional College (SRC) is inviting the public to come up with names for two eye-catching new arrivals on campus – a pair of humanoid robots.

The robots, which have been purchased by the college, are getting geared up to become part of the college community in the forthcoming new term.

One of the Unitree Robots acquired by SRC to enable students to learn emerging technologies. Picture: SRC

placeholder image — One of the Unitree Robots acquired by SRC to enable students to learn emerging technologies. Picture: SRC

They have already turned a few heads and proved to be quite a talking point amongst those who have met them outside of a classroom setting.

As seen on the ‘This Morning’ television show, the robots are capable of much more than being novelties and will very soon become an important part of the learning experience for students.

Stephen Herron, SRC Computing Curriculum Area Manager alongside one of the Unitree Robots purchased to allow students to get hands on with emerging technology. Picture: SRC

SRC said the investment of £55,000 is part of its continued investment in cutting edge technology assets and is designed to give students the chance to go beyond theory and get hands-on with the technologies which will shape the workplaces of the future.

The robots, a Unitree G1 and Unitree G1 Educational (EDU) model boast a wide range of specifications.

Students will have opportunities to programme the robots, test artificial intelligence models and explore robotics, automation, computer vision, sensors and software development.

The Unitree G1 EDU model offers even greater possibilities. Designed for universities, research laboratories and software engineers, it features enhanced specifications and allows users to write custom code, test AI models and directly control the robot’s joint movements.

Members of the public are invited to submit names for the two robots at SRC by scanning the QR code.

So far, the robots have had a ‘soft’ introduction to college life, being present at several events where they showed off their dance moves and attracted plenty of attention.

This will all come to an end very soon with the start of the new academic year when the hard work begins in earnest.

Degree level students will be able to use the robots to build and develop skills across robotics and automation, programming and software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer vision and sensor technology.

The projects will also challenge students to develop key skills in problem-solving, troubleshooting, experimentation, research and multidisciplinary working. Further Education students will also have opportunities to interact with the robots and incorporate them into project-based learning.

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Stephen Herron, Computing Curriculum Area Manager at the college, explained: “SRC’s investment in humanoid robotics gives students the opportunity to move beyond simulation and theory and work directly with emerging robotic technology.

"Students will be able to explore programming, artificial intelligence, computer vision, automation and robot control using a physical humanoid platform, developing practical skills and experience relevant to the technologies and workplaces of the future,” he said.

However, as part of the robots’ orientation to college life, they both need to be given one important thing – names!

As part of their official welcome to campus, SRC is inviting students as well as members of the public to come up with names for both humanoid robots, with a goodie bag being offered for the winning names.

Entries can be submitted, via the link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/7ZqhimEFht or a QR code with the deadline for submissions being 11.59pm on Wednesday, September 30.