MTA TDI Challenge competition brings out the best in young innovators

This year, a record-breaking 97 entries were submitted from across the UK, detailing innovative engineering projects ranging from an electric ukulele, a green energy bike light and a rotational moulding machine. The Challenge is open to students of Engineering and Design & Technology in two age groups; 14 to 16 and 17 to 19, with a special third age group in 2011 for under 14 year olds. Of the entries, 14 outstanding submissions were selected as finalists and the students were invited to take part in a competitive showcase event, staged at the headquarters of MTA Member Yamazaki Mazak. The students were required to demonstrate their product and present their ideas to the panel of judges* assembled by the MTA. Not only were the judges looking for great innovative engineering, but also the ability to think commercially about their idea, as well as the skills to present clearly and logically to an industry panel. Bob Hunt, chair of the MTA's Education & Training Committee, was delighted with the quality and innovation of projects presented: "Every year, I am encouraged, intrigued and inspired by the exciting and varied selection of projects submitted to the TDI Awards, and 2011 was no exception with almost 100 entries in the mix. "It is vital we celebrate these engineers of the future to help them grow and learn – and TDI does just that. There is such innovative talent amongst our young people, and it gives us at the MTA great hope for the future of UK engineering based manufacturing." After some tough deliberations, the panel of judges arrived at the following decisions: 14-16 Age Group 1st – Katie Barnes (Balcarras School), Good Vibrations A solution to dampen excess vibration from computer game console accessories (such as the drum kit used with Guitar Hero), which demonstrated the identification of a real-life problem, a successful solution and the development of a marketable product. 2nd – Class award (Bolden School), Jewellery Five students presented their pewter cast, resin coated and gemstone embellished jewellery designs which showed aesthetic design and exquisite craftsmanship. 3rd – Charlotte Watt (Kendrick School), Hand Stand A unique hand-shaped docking station for MP3 players that both recharges and plays audio through a concealed speaker system. Battery powered, the design is functional with a youthful edge. 17-19 Age Group 1st – Adam Pettitt (RGS Worcester), iSurf Trolley A lightweight, folding aluminium trolley designed to carry water sports equipment of any size to and from beaches, lakes and other water sport sites. Created to plug a gap in the market with functionality and competitive price. 2nd – Johannes Hertel (Langley School), Rotational Moulding Machine A fully functional model of a rotational moulding machine designed to be used in schools and colleges for educational purposes. The machine works to its requirements and can produce hollow objects (such as Easter eggs). 3rd – Adam Lockett (Hind-Leys College), Desk fan A versatile, self-powered and rechargeable desk fan designed to be used in non-powered sites. The smart looking fan is also environmentally friendly, through its reduced energy usage. In addition, a special prize was awarded to an entrant in the under-14 age group. Congratulations to Verity McVey (Royal Masonic School) with her project, the Aeroplane Candle Holder, made of sheet metal and pop rivets. Winners and finalists were presented with prizes ranging from iPads, Amazon Kindles and gift vouchers, and all attendees were treated to a tour of Mazak Yamazaki's European Technology Centre and manufacturing facility. *The judges were: Nick Baldwin – director, design & technology Education Partnership Bob Shanks – chairman of the Imagineering Foundation and MTA committee member Bob Hunt – managing director, Star GB and MTA committee member Paul Cross – project manager, Planit Software and MTA committee member Andrea Rodney – director, Hone All Precision and MTA committee member