On 21 March, the Mechanical Intelligence (MI) Research Group at London South Bank University hosted an interactive engineering activity as part of the LSBU Open Day, offering prospective students a first-hand experience of how cutting-edge research translates into real-world engineering applications.

The session centred on a hands-on “Taster Activity”, where participants engaged directly with bioinspired robotic systems and prototype devices developed within the MI Lab. Attendees had the opportunity to explore how principles derived from nature—particularly from insect biomechanics—can be translated into innovative engineering solutions, including adaptive structures and intelligent robotic systems.

Through live demonstrations, we showcased working prototypes, including small-scale robotic platforms and bioinspired mechanisms, illustrating how Mechanical Intelligence enables systems to respond passively and automatically to their environment without reliance on complex sensing and control architectures.

What made this session particularly impactful was the level of interaction: participants were not just observers but active contributors. They engaged with the devices, asked technically insightful questions, and gained exposure to the design-thinking process that underpins modern engineering research.

The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the interdisciplinary nature of our work, combining mechanical engineering, biology, materials science, and robotics. This aligns closely with LSBU’s mission to deliver industry-relevant, research-informed education.

We would like to thank all attendees for their enthusiasm and curiosity, as well as the MI team members who contributed to delivering an engaging and high-quality experience.