It was Beachlab in Aberystwyth again recently, and we were extremely pleased to be invited back to show our robotics offerings among some really incredible roboticists. We first attended Beachlab:relocated in 2021 under a very strict, ticketed control system, because of Covid-19 (and rightly so). We were then invited back for 2022, but we could not make it, although we did manage the Summer Reading Challenge, at Aberystwyth Library.
So we were naturally very excited to be again going back to display our robots, and engage with the public in 2023. This time though, rather than the university science building car park, we would be at the now open, Bandstand, on the beach front. A place that enjoys much more natural footfall.
We prepared the previous night (well, the previous week, really), got up early on the morning of the event, and drove from North Wales, right down to Aberystwyth for 8am, with plenty of time to spare for setting up.
Setting up an event is always a weird experience. There’s always lots of people you know, but they are very busy getting their stands in order before the public are allowed in. Once everything is done, however, everyone takes a breath, and then we can all say hello properly.
Our stand was right by the entrance, which was perfect for my wheelchair. We set out our table, with various A.R.T.I robots (see Bailey Robotics), multiple brass racing teapots, a Lego racing teapot, and the base for our robotic dragonfly. We also brought some seasonal robots with our robotics Christmas tree, and both Silent Hill Head, and Terror Ted. We obviously made Terror Ted safe for the public (he can be a bit grumpy).
It was a super day, and really worth the effort. The wealth of robotics offerings and talent on display was amazing as usual, and there were plenty of people to engage with. We spent a lot of time talking to children, but a few physically backed away when their eyes met with Terror Ted. Some people loved him, and some really did not like him. I find it very interesting the way people interact with robots that have certain designs and features, so people interacting with Halloween robots, out of the context of Halloween, was fascinating to watch.
Throughout the day, we carefully operated our robots around the bandstand so that people could see them working, and were often joined by other bots moving around in the same area. It was fantastic. The organisation that the Aberystwyth University team put into this event, is immense, and we’re so grateful they take the time to do it.
A favourite moment of mine was an older gentleman, who was hovering by the doorway, looking lost. I engaged him in conversation, and it turned out he was a bus mechanic for decades, and loved engineering. He was dismayed though that he thought he could not understand the robotics on show. I told him I was also a trained mechanic and have worked for decades on vehicles too. I showed him some of our little bots, and explained the components and how they worked. I pointed out a few more in the bandstand that worked similarly, and his face lit up.
In truth, he was perfectly capable of understanding, and his job had put him in good stead. He explained how he took engines apart, and catalogued the parts neatly, fixing mechanical, plumbing and electrical problems on buses throughout the years. Once he realised what we were doing, and how things worked, he shook my hand multiple times, with a beaming smile, and he left happy.
I’m glad I had the chance to show him, especially, because he seemed to think it was too advanced for him somehow, but it wasn’t at all. A great moment I will remember fondly.
After the day ended, we had our photograph together outside the bandstand, we packed up, headed for a hefty drive through meal, had a nap in the car, and then drove home later.
It will always be well worth the effort to be there.
A superb event.
Emma
