NMITE’s Skylon Campus was alive with creativity and innovation as we hosted the first annual NMITE Showcase in December last year.
The highlights
The showcase opened with a heartfelt introduction by our CEO James Newby, who recognised the invaluable contributions of NMITE’s partners and thanked attendees for their ongoing support.
An engaging presentation was delivered by NMITE staff and students, including Chief Academic Officer Professor David Oloke and student James Banwell who spoke on NMITE’s present impact, along with some of NMITE’s current students.
Contributions also came from co-founder Karen Usher who spoke on NMITE’s history along with two of the original members of NMITE’s Design Cohort and now soon-to-be graduates Elise Cummings and Sam Whitby, both of which have secured jobs in industry.
Closing remarks were delivered again by CEO James Newby along with graduating student Toby Street with a focus on NMITE’s future, a message of ambition and opportunity.
Inspiring Exhibits: Showcasing Ingenuity and Impact
The NMITE Showcase highlighted the creativity and problem-solving skills of our students and soon-to-be alumni through projects tackling real-world challenges. From life-saving agricultural systems to modular refugee shelters and assistive technologies, these exhibits demonstrated the transformative power of engineering innovation.
Exhibit 1: Protecting Vulnerable Farm Pedestrians with an Integrated Detection and Braking System
This design prototype tackles the alarming number of farm-related injuries, particularly those involving children and moving vehicles. Using thermal cameras and machine learning, the system detects pedestrians and applies an automatic braking mechanism to prevent accidents.
Developed by Jonathan Whitting, Master of Engineering student, the project combines life-saving automotive technologies with practicality for farmers.
“The aim was to create a system that saves lives without disrupting everyday farming operations,” Jonathan explained.
Exhibit 2: The Coke Can Project: A Multi-Protocol Decision Engine for Reliable Wireless Sensor Networks
A research project led by James Willis; this system designs compact sensor nodes resembling Coke cans that intelligently manage data in wireless networks under low-power constraints.
The innovation promises applications in site security, disaster relief, and autonomous vehicle navigation.
“This project is about creating scalable solutions for complex environments, paving the way for smarter networks,” James shared.
Exhibit 3: Mechanising a 3D-Printed Model of the Human Index Finger
Daniel James continued NMITE’s work on prosthetics with this project to enhance the dexterity and strength of a 3D-printed human finger model.
Using servo motors and a Bowden cable system, the mechanism simulates natural finger movement.
Despite current challenges in replicating fingertip force, Daniel said, “Each iteration brings us closer to prostheses that are both functional and lifelike.”
Exhibit 4: Adaptable Modular Partition Wall System for Syrian Refugee Shelters
Designed by Mahmoud Awad, this project addresses the need for privacy and functionality in refugee shelters.
The modular walls, made from repurposed materials like wooden pallets, are lightweight and easy to assemble, empowering refugees to customise their living spaces.
“This isn’t just about building walls—it’s about restoring dignity and giving people control over their homes,” Mahmoud emphasised.
Exhibit 5: Dementia Glasses: Supporting Facial Recognition for People Living with Dementia
Natasha Tait developed a prototype assistive device using smart glasses to help people with dementia recognise faces and recall names.
The project prioritised accessibility and ethical considerations, ensuring the technology would be used responsibly.
“My goal was to create something that truly makes life easier for both patients and their families,” Natasha explained.
Exhibit 6: Deployable Sound-Based Drone Landing Assistance System
Sukhpreet Singh designed this prototype to guide drones safely in disaster relief scenarios using acoustic signals.
Affordable and energy-efficient, the system offers a scalable solution for precise drone landings in challenging environments.
“It’s about addressing real-world problems with accessible technology,” Sukhpreet noted.
The NMITE mission
Since our inception, we at NMITE have reached significant milestones, underpinned by invaluable partnerships with industry leaders and collaborators who have been instrumental to our growth and success. This showcase embodied NMITE’s mission to redefine engineering education by championing innovation, inclusivity, and real-world impact. We could not be prouder of our students
A celebration of creativity
The NMITE Showcase 2024 was a vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration, highlighting the remarkable achievements of students, staff, and partners. From inspiring exhibits to insightful presentations, the event embodied the passion and ingenuity that drives NMITE forward.
We invite you to explore our initiatives, engage with our journey, and join us at future events as we continue shaping the future of education and engineering together! Find out more about the NMITE difference, here.
