News Article

The latest version of ASIMO, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot will be making its UK debut in the North East of England with a mission to inspire the regions’ next generation of engineers.

Honda’s humanoid robot (capable of running at nearly 4 mph) will be in the North East for three days at the Youth Engineering Summit (YES) being held at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton le Spring, in June.

YES provides an opportunity for around 7,000 year 7 and 8 students (11-14 year olds), to sample first hand the importance of engineering in modern day life and appreciate the range of career options available in this diverse field.

Coming to the North East for the first time, YES is a fast moving 85-minute event which will see presentations, interviews, demonstrations and video about the world of engineering – as well as ASIMO’s visit.

The new ASIMO is the culmination of more than two decades of humanoid robotics R&D, incorporates several significant technological advancements over its predecessor including a streamlined new design, even more fluid and quick movements and the ability to run at 6 km/h. It also has several other new mobility and intelligence capabilities.

A range of public and private sector organisations, including One North East, the North East Productivity Alliance (NEPA) and the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), are backing the show in the North East with the aim to make it an annual event in the future.

One North East Manufacturing and Productivity Manager, Dr Colin Herron, said: “The Youth Engineering Summit has been successfully run in the Midlands since 2000 and it is excellent to have the opportunity to bring it up to the North East.

“Engineering applies to all industries, from record making to financial services, as well as within manufacturing, production and construction, and the show is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters from the North East to see the diverse range of career options available.

“I am also personally really looking forward to seeing the world famous ASIMO whose presence in the UK should inspire the next generation of engineers - particularly from North East England.”

BAE Systems, Nissan, Walkers PepsiCo International United Kingdom and filmNova have all confirmed their attendance and will present on their area of engineering expertise.

NEPA engineer and Nissan employee, Keith Copeland from Sunderland, who last year won a prestigious National Training Award, will be giving a presentation about a career in engineering and talking about his experiences.

The event, organised by One North East in conjunction with NetWork Events Ltd, will be held at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton le Spring, Tyne & Wear on Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 June.

Entry to the show is free and there will be spaces for around 700 teachers to accompany the 7,000 students, and employers in the region are also welcome to attend. For booking information, please call 02392 631 331.

Backing the first Youth Engineering Show in the North East, sponsors include: One North East, Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), North East Productivity Alliance (NEPA), Sunderland City Council, Newcastle Science City, Gateshead College, South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum, Caterpillar, BAE Systems (Newcastle), Iris Engineering, Facilitators, NAC and Expanded Metal Company, NSAM, Paradise Foods, PepsiCo International United Kingdom, and Roseberry Leisure.

To reserve places at the event visit: http://www.networkevents.co.uk/events/nessun08/contact.htm

Ends.

For more information please contact: Bryn Littleton, press office, One North East on Tel: (0191) 2296713, mobile no: 07717 468918.   
e-mail: bryn.littleton@onenortheast.co.uk

For more information about Honda’s ASIMO, please contact Adrian Chitty at Good Relations on 0207 861 3190
e-mail; achitty@goodrelations.co.uk