Over twenty robots will compete in the annual robot race at the University of Birmingham on Thursday 27th April at 2pm.

The robots, built by teams of students from the department of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering, will race against the clock and each other to be awarded ‘robot racer 2006’.

Referee Clive Roberts says: ‘This is a great event and an important part of the course. Our 180 second year students have worked in teams to create the robots and the software that drives them. I am hoping we will manage to break the record time of 21 seconds set by last year's winning team. The robots are totally autonomous and mainly have aluminium frames and there are one or two more curious creations!’

The robot race forms part of the department’s open day when students and staff will be displaying their research, guided tours will give an insight into the department’s facilities and students will be able to meet prospective employers.

The race is underway at 2pm in Lecture Theatre One, 2nd Floor, Department of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Ends

Notes to Editors

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: There will be an opportunity to photograph the robots and contestants in action.

Venue: Lecture Theatre One, Department of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Gisbert Kapp Building, Pritchatt’s Road, Edgbaston.

Date: 27th April 06

Time: 2pm

For further information

University of Birmingham press officer Kate Chapple, tel 0121 414 2772 or 07789 921164.