皇家华人

Day 4 of the 6 Days to Change the World

Celebrating 150 years of the UCL engineering department, the UCL Festival of Engineering (FoE) showcased a rich legacy of collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact.

About The Festival of Engineering

Running from 15-20 July 2024, the FoE highlights how UCL鈥檚 engineers are tackling humanity's most pressing challenges. Partnering with prestigious organisations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, STEM Learning, London Transport Museum, and EngineeringUK, the festival aims to ignite creativity, forge connections, and inspire the next generation of socially responsible and climate-conscious engineers, innovators, and leaders.

This dynamic event, designed for aspiring engineers, industry professionals, and the general public, showcases UCL鈥檚 groundbreaking engineering innovations and illustrates how these advancements are addressing major global issues.

As a student journalist, I had the privilege of attending the Research and Industry Showcase. I explored groundbreaking research by both students and faculty and listened to industry leaders discuss how UCL鈥檚 innovative work is transforming the world around us.

Themes for This Year

Health and Wellbeing UCL engineers are at the forefront of developing advanced healthcare technologies and services that contribute to a healthier world. Their work includes pioneering new medical devices, improving diagnostic tools, and creating innovative treatments for various diseases.

Inequality and Justice Engineers at 皇家华人 are pioneering inclusive technologies and solutions designed to benefit underserved and underrepresented communities. This theme focuses on reducing social inequality by promoting safety, security, and equal opportunities for all, ultimately striving to build a safer and more equitable society.

Data-Empowered Society This theme underscores the transformative potential of data in shaping a more efficient and interconnected world. UCL engineers are leveraging data to develop intelligent urban infrastructure, enhance public services, and implement efficient resource management systems, promoting overall quality of life in modern society.

Climate Change Using data and research, UCL engineers are developing effective policies and practices to ensure practical and impactful solutions. By understanding what works, they inform economic activities and improve efficiency, crucial for reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability. Their efforts are key to creating a more sustainable world for future generations.

Interactive Exhibits

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The Research and Industry Showcase presented a vibrant array of live demonstrations from UCL's 10 engineering departments, spotlighting their latest innovations and breakthroughs. This event provided industry leaders, innovators, and game changers with a unique opportunity to get up close with UCL's cutting-edge research and societal impact.

The atmosphere across the three rooms was electric, filled with impressive projects and a palpable excitement for new technology. People from all backgrounds鈥攕tudents, faculty, industry professionals, and public enthusiasts鈥攃ame together to celebrate innovation. Attendees engaged with hands-on exhibits, gaining deep insights into the diverse fields of engineering at 皇家华人. The rooms buzzed with conversations about future possibilities, highlighting the collaborative spirit and innovative drive that define UCL Engineering.

Superhero SportsDay

One standout project was "Superhero SportsDay," presented by the Department of Computer Science. Developed with MotionInput Games, this interactive sports game is accessible for children with disabilities, allowing them to play without traditional controllers. Using motion capture technology, the game becomes more inclusive and easy to use.

As a fan of motion games, I tried the boxing game and found it incredibly fun and more accessible than any motion game I've played before. Watching kids engage with it firsthand was a highlight, and the feedback gathered from the festival will help refine the experience further.

Bio-Inspired Robots

An intriguing project from UCL's Soft Robotics Lab, led by Dr听Thomas George Thuruthel, focused on robots inspired by biological forms found in nature. These robots mimic existing natural forms, making human-robot interactions safer and more intuitive. Equipped with skin-like sensors, they can see and touch, enhancing their ability to collaborate with humans.

Initially, the idea of robots with skin that can feel like humans sounded terrifying, but after enthusiastic students explained it, the brilliance behind the innovation became clear. The team is exploring the potential for robots to develop other senses, like smell and taste, pushing the boundaries of what robots can achieve and how they can seamlessly integrate into our world.

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Neonatal Jaundice App

A research group from the UCL Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering and UCL Hospitals has launched NeoSCB. Alyssa Foong Quinney explained to me that this AI-driven app diagnoses neonatal jaundice in newborns, a condition affecting 60% of babies. The app allows parents and midwives to detect jaundice at home by simply taking a photo of the baby鈥檚 eye, providing a more accessible solution, especially for lower-income countries with limited medical services.

Developed by an interdisciplinary team, NeoSCB leverages smartphone technology to simplify the diagnostic process. The app has been validated through clinical trials in Ghana and at 皇家华人 Hospital, offering a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional methods. The focus is now on obtaining certification in various countries to make this technology widely available, revolutionising neonatal care.

Cycling Safety

The SpaceTimeLab at the UCL Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering is dedicated to enhancing urban mobility and safety through geo-located and time-stamped data. One notable project, "The 100 Cyclists Project," aims to improve cycling safety in London by using panoramic video and telematics collected by cyclists. This data, analysed with computer vision and deep learning, helps identify near-miss incidents and generate insights to improve road safety.

I had the chance to put on a VR headset and experience the 100 Cyclists Project firsthand. As someone who cycles everywhere, this technology could significantly boost my safety and confidence on the road by addressing risks that human eyes might miss. The insights provided by this project have the potential to transform urban cycling safety, making it a crucial tool for anyone relying on cycling as a primary mode of transport.

Panel Discussions

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The event's speaker zone featured academic and industry thought leaders discussing imaginative technologies and trends that impact the industry and address major societal challenges. Two panel discussions particularly stood out for their real-world implications in improving everyday lives.

How is Mixed Reality Changing Industry?

The first panel, led by Professor Anthony Steed and Jeremy Dalton, explored the transformative potential of mixed reality (MR). They emphasised MR's ability to revolutionise every sector, urging industry leaders to harness its potential to enhance daily lives and societal functions. MR鈥檚 applications in business are vast, including faster and more engaging bias training, streamlined operations with reduced complexity and costs, and boosted sales and marketing through new revenue channels and improved customer engagement.

Steed and Dalton discussed research showing that interacting with MR using a visible body significantly enhances memory retention and connection. They explained MR's profound impact on storytelling, office training, and interactions. For instance, the UCL Storyscape app, which reconstructs UCL spaces for virtual interactions, showcases practical MR applications. The discussion underscored that embracing MR will be crucial for long-term success as this technology integrates deeply into various industries.

AI and Public Safety: Enabling the Global Events Industry to Prevent Terrorist Attacks

"The question is whether companies have the imagination to harness this technology. The companies that do will prosper, and those that don't will fall behind."

The second panel, featuring Dr听Paul MacFarlane and Dr听Kartikeya Tripathi from the Department of Security and Crime Science, highlighted the critical role of AI in enhancing public safety at global events. As events become more popular, the need for advanced security measures intensifies. The panel emphasised the increasing unpredictability of terrorist threats and the shortcomings of traditional risk management systems.

Dr听MacFarlane and Dr听Tripathi discussed various challenges in event security, such as inconsistent assessment quality, cultural differences, and a lack of digital sophistication. They presented AI as a game-changing solution capable of harnessing vast data for foresight and anticipation, improving compliance, and alleviating cognitive load and repetitive tasks.

Their AI model, Rekon LLM庐, is an ultra-intelligent, hyper-specific system designed to optimise risk management processes, enhance regulatory compliance, and drive innovation. They stressed that adopting AI could revolutionise the security landscape, making global events significantly safer. The insights shared underscored AI's immense potential in public safety, urging industry leaders to embrace these advancements to remain competitive.

Messages from Dean, Vice-Dean (Enterprise), and Provost

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Welcome from the Dean, Nigel Titchener-Hooker

Professor Nigel Titchener-Hooker began with a powerful affirmation of UCL Engineering鈥檚 leadership in innovation. He emphasised the department's pioneering spirit and commitment to equipping students and academics with the tools needed to tackle future challenges. "We're at the forefront of thinking about what a university faculty needs to provide for its academics and students to be the most effective engineers to solve the problems of the future," he noted. His enthusiasm for the event was palpable, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase UCL鈥檚 capabilities and build enduring relationships with industry leaders.

Message from Vice-Dean (Enterprise), Dr. Robert Thompson

Vice-Dean Robert Thompson reflected on UCL's legacy of impactful discoveries and its forward-looking mission. He underscored the importance of industry partnerships in enriching education and fostering innovation. 鈥淟et's change the world together,鈥� he declared, invoking the spirit of Sir Alexander Kennedy, who emphasised applying engineering principles to real-world problems. Thompson highlighted UCL's commitment to breaking down barriers and graduating a diverse talent pool ready to make a real difference. He invited partners to collaborate on scaling technologies and operationalising processes, stating, "UCL's front door is open," encouraging dialogue and collaboration.

Message from UCL President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence AC

"There is no point in doing what we do unless it has an impact on the world. This is the best form of research dissemination," stated UCL President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence AC. He highlighted the university's dedication to impactful research that extends beyond academic citations. Stressing the importance of long-term collaborative relationships, Spence urged partners to leverage UCL鈥檚 resources to meet their global challenges. "We can only achieve this level of quality through lasting partnerships," he emphasised, underscoring the vital role of collaboration not just within the university but among the global community of innovators.

These speeches collectively painted a vibrant picture of UCL Engineering's dynamic environment, driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration, and societal impact.

A Celebration of Innovation

The Research and Industry Showcase and Industry Reception was a resounding success, generating excitement and inspiration among attendees. The enthusiasm and collaborative spirit underscored the importance of such gatherings in fostering innovation and addressing global challenges.

Ongoing partnerships between UCL and industry professionals are essential for driving continued advancements. UCL remains committed to leveraging these collaborations to solve complex problems and create impactful solutions. Looking ahead, the showcased innovations promise significant future impacts.

UCL invites readers to engage actively with its engineering community. Explore potential collaborations, stay informed about future events, and become part of a movement pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology. Join us in this exciting journey and be a catalyst for global transformation.

Let's continue to innovate and change the world together.

Caroline Coyer began her multimedia journalism career in New York City and recently completed an MFA in Creative Documentary at 皇家华人, where she also works as a Student Journalist for 皇家华人ews. She was recently awarded as a UCL Student Champion, chosen to represent our PG community. She has produced content for the New York Post and The English National Ballet and served as a lead producer for the Chief of Stuff podcast and magazine. Her personal documentary work delves into criminal justice, women's health, and the artistic process. Now, as a freelance journalist and producer in London, she is eager to explore stories at the intersection of arts, health, and technology.