Cutting edge robotic development on display at Cavan Institute

Visitors to Cavan Institute"s science laboratory would be forgiven for thinking that they were in a toy development laboratory as small robots whiz up and down the science lab floor and students of all ages play with what appear to be remote controlled toys. But as is often the case in play, there is a lesson to be learn too - the importance of electronics and engineering in daily life - for the students are studying electronic and engineering and the so-called toys are robotic items developed as part of their course. Playtime with robotics is part of the work at the institute designed to create a positive awareness of the role of electronics in daily life and coincided with Engineers Week 2009; a programme of nationwide events celebrating engineering in Ireland. he students at Cavan Institute were demonstrating the results of work by electronic engineers. Focusing on the link between the theory in the classroom work and its practical application is an essential part of the coursework, according to the Colm Crosson, electronics and engineering tutor. 'It"s essential that the students see the reality of what a career in electronics and engineering involves,' he says. 'At the institute we"re always conscious of creating a positive awareness and sparking enthusiasm about the engineering profession for people of all ages. Modules such as Electronics and Digital Electronics focus on practical tasks including the building of circuits on strip boards and the development of printed circuit boards.' Among the projects developed this year are security sirens and amplification systems. Playing with the robotics equipment they built is one part of the course, seeing their practical application in terms of career development is also a key focus. Martin Cassidy from Technology Subjects Supports Service delivered a robotics presentation to students. As part of his presentation he demonstrated how, with specialist programming a solar panel, parking barrier and robotic arm could be operated. Student Brian Harkin from Granard enjoyed the presentation. 'It was great to see the application of the projects we"re working on,' he said. Luke O"Brien from Mullagh was impressed with the link between the theory on the course and practical application. Mr. Crosson believes that the inclusion of robotics enhances the employability potential of students. 'It"s a key part of industry and gives students valuable skills in this area.' He is working with equipment suppliers to integrate robotics into the range of technology courses at Cavan Institute. An electronic engineer with ten years" experience in the electronic and pharmaceutical industry, Colm believes that few many students realise the role of electronic and engineering technology in daily life. 'When they start their courses with us they can"t believe how much of what they use daily basis, eg MP3 players, digital cameras, security systems and medical devices, come from the work of engineers. Engineers continually improve the quality of our lives through the development of new equipment in the fields of medicine, communications, computing, security, business and entertainment.' Stephen Ebikueluye, currently studying Electronics Technology and Engineering, always wanted to learn more about electronics engineering. 'It"s in basically all spheres of life,' he says. 'Everywhere you go there is electronics in one form or the other, either as mobile phone, television, computer, etc.' The new electronic and engineering courses at the institute are designed to prepare for a career in engineering and students qualify as electronic and engineering technicians. 'The courses are ideal for students thinking about following a career in the industry but unsure of what area to specialise in,' says Mr. Crossan. Describing it as a challenging and creative profession, Mr. Crossan believes that students completing the technology courses at Cavan Institute will have valuable technical skills and will be well placed to take advantage of the huge opportunities available in solar energy, wind turbines and research and development. 'Electronic and engineering technicians also support engineers in the research, design, development and maintenance of electronic equipment or products. Their work will usually be concerned with the repairs and maintenance of products from digital devices, mobile telephones and personal computers to satellite tracking systems. There is evidence of a current shortage of engineering technicians available to industry because the majority of those who qualify at technician level go on to degree level.' Sergej Gusev from Lithuania already has a degree in electronics but wanted to improve his skills. He is planning to continue his studies on completion of his course at Cavan Institute and is confident of getting a job on completion. 'I"m planning to do two years in Cavan Institute and then continue to either Athlone or Dundalk Institute of Technology for another two years. The electronics sector is growing, and I think there will be good job opportunities.' Eduard Ivanov enrolled on the Security Systems Technology and Alarm Installation course because he feels it is a growing sector. 'I have experience working with electronic devices, fixing them, working with PCs and assembling them, and I think with this course I will get more practical skills. 'This is a growing sector and there"s a good chance of obtaining employment on completion of this course. 'The work placement helped us to get more practical skills outside the institute and allowed us to observe how a business operates. In the future I aim to be a professional CCTV and alarms technician and this course prepares me for such a career.' The link with industry and the potential for employment was highlighted during a recent a visit by students and tutors to Pauwels. 'Pauwels has a strong reputation in its industry and it is a world-class provider of integrated solutions in the power transmission and distribution market and the fact that it is here in Cavan employing a highly skilled workforce clearly demonstrates the career opportunities available,' according to Joe English, head of the School of Computing and Engineering.