Over 550 schools are set to take part in the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge, with events around the UK between 27 January and 4 March, and the competition finals taking place at The Big Bang Fair (11-14 March).

The student teams will build a LEGO Mindstorm Education EV3 robot, then program it to complete a speed and control test and perform a number of tasks, such as planting a tree.

They will also present their ideas on how engineers can help to create a cleaner and more sustainable world.

Hilary Leevers, CEO of EngineeringUK, said: “We have seen young people around the world coming together to demand action over climate change.

"The next generation can be part of the solution, by choosing engineering careers that will be central to generating affordable and sustainable energy, and to solving other global challenges that they care about, like access to clean water and sanitation.


"We need creative thinkers with a range of skills and perspectives working together to secure our future.

“The new environmental challenge was chosen for the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge to address an issue that many of us are passionate about and to inspire students as they discover exciting new skills and careers in engineering, technology, robotics and computing.

"Demand for engineering skills is high and will continue to rise in the future; EngineeringUK estimates that the UK needs tens of thousands more engineers annually.”

Dr Leevers added: “Communicating the breadth and variety of engineering careers to young people is vital for the future of the UK economy, if the engineering community is to keep inspiring the next generation of engineers.”

More information on the Robotics Challenge can be found at the Web site (www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/robotics).