On Wednesday, 12th November, iconsys proudly took part in the Digital Sparks event, held at the Quad.

The event was designed to bring local businesses, academia and Telford & Wrekin Council together, to showcase innovation in technology and STEM related industries.

Through interactive exhibits and hands on activities, the event connected students with modern engineering and digital innovation, while marking the launch of the Telford Together initiative.

This new collaboration was introduced to strengthen links between schools and industry, to inspire the next generation of engineers and highlight the exciting possibilities of STEM careers.

Several organisations, including Capgemini, European Innovation, Telford College, Telford & Wrekin Council and Harper Adams University, joined iconsys to deliver differing and exciting interactive activities that championed innovation in STEM.

On the day, iconsys inspired 40 Year 10 students from four Telford schools through three hands-on demonstrations that showcased how automation, robotics and virtual reality are shaping the future of engineering and technology:

  • PLC Test Rig Challenge: A hands on experience where students use an interactive HMI and control buttons to complete a fun memory game, introducing key principles of automation and control systems
  • Collaborative Robotics in Action: Demonstrating the capabilities of a Universal Robots UR5e collaborative robot, this demo shows how smart robotics are transforming modern industry
  • Immersive Virtual Reality Experience: A VR simulation of a containerised control room for a subsea trenching project, allowing students to explore a 3D model and experience how digital design and automation work hand in hand

Inspiring the Future

Through these demonstrations, iconsys aim to ignite curiosity, creativity and a passion for engineering and technology among young people.

The event offers a unique opportunity to not only showcase our expertise in automation and digital innovation but also to make a meaningful contribution to the next generation of STEM talent.