Robot Wars favourite will feature at free event in Nottingham

'Nottingham Under the Microscope' will take place in the immersive room at Central Library
-Credit: (Image: University of Nottingham)


Visitors will be able to learn more about robots and the microscopic world as a new exhibit visits the new Central Library. From Monday, October 21, until Friday, November 1, the 360° immersive room will be transformed into a microscopic world, where families can see the intricate details of everyday objects.

'Nottingham Under the Microscope' is a free event by the University of Nottingham, and will be explaining more about a range of technologies and innovations. Scientists from the Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre have created images around the theme of pollen, plants animals, insects and food and drink.

Each theme will include several interactive microscopy images that visitors can touch to learn more about the object or be tested on what they think the image is. A technique called scanning electron microscopy was used to create the images by using a beam of negatively charged particles, called electrons, to scan the surface of the material, creating high-resolution images that show details as small as a few nanometres.

One nanometre is approximately one hundred thousand times smaller than the width of a single human hair. Luke Norman, knowledge exchange fellow at the University of Nottingham, said: “It’s always incredible to see people’s reactions to seeing everyday objects in such magnified detail, often they are surprised as the images aren’t what they expect.

"These events are a fantastic way to showcase the technology and expertise we have at the University and hopefully inspire some future scientists.” On Wednesday, October 23, there will also be a day of robotic fun being offered by the university and Future Makers.

A dog-like mobile robot
A dog-like mobile robot -Credit:University of Nottingham

Scientists from the university and local enthusiasts will show off their work in robotics and emerging technology. The event will also feature the robot Matilda from the show Robot Wars and there will be a chance to pilot robots in the pop-up arena and discover collaborative robots from the university.

Some of the robots will include Robin, a humanoid-style robot with a poseable head and arms, and there will also be Spot, a Boston Dynamics dog-like mobile robot. Dominic Price, Horizon Digital Economy research fellow, said: “The development of robot technology is moving at pace with robots sometimes viewed with suspicion or seen as intimidating.

"We’re looking forward to showcasing Cobot Maker Space’s robotics collection and for public audience, of all ages, to see human-robot interactions first-hand and discover how we are using this research to help solve problems and enhance human experiences”

This event is being delivered by Future Markers in partnership with the University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Libraries and STEM City Nottingham to help Nottingham be recognised as a UNICEF child-friendly city by making academic research accessible to all ages.

Georgina Wilding, events lead said: “‘It has been an absolute pleasure watching the Nottingham Under the Microscope collaboration come to fruition; seeing things like hedgehog spines and pollen under the microscope has been full of surprises.

"We’re very proud to be launching this exhibition alongside the Future Makers event, which is set to bring robot wars, robot dogs, and robot innovation into the building! Join us, it’ll be a fantastic day."