BAE Systems Reveals The Brains Behind Its Technology

Budding scientists and engineers will today meet Brains – the world’s most advanced animated robot at the Big Bang science and engineering fair for young people at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, 4-6 March 2009.

‘Brains’ will host BAE Systems’ interactive stand at the event, featuring its cutting-edge technology, including an army of miniature robotic insects, an unmanned aircraft system that could soon be seen in the British skies, and a camera that sees six times more than any other device. ‘Brains’ will invite visitors to learn more about these high-tech gadgets and reveal secrets behind their creation.

The defence, security and aerospace company’s sponsorship of Big Bang is part of a £1 million partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering, which will support training for science teachers and fund science and engineering after-school clubs around the country to inspire young engineers of the future.

Richard Hamer, BAE Systems education partnerships director, said: "The UK has a reputation for innovation and creativity, but we need to encourage more young people take up science and technology at school to make sure that they become the ideas people of the future.

“Big Bang is an opportunity for businesses across the UK to show young people that science and engineering plays a vital role in industry and everyday life and can take them on an exciting journey throughout their careers.”

The partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering aims to bring science to life and make learning fun both inside and outside of the classroom. Inspiring young people is crucial to the long-term success of our business and the UK’s entire engineering sector.

BAE Systems offers over 300 work experience placements, recruits around 300 engineering apprentices and takes approximately 300 graduates each year, but is concerned that it may struggle to fill its quota in the future unless more is done to highlight the benefits of careers in engineering to young people.

BAE Systems is the lead sponsor of Big Bang and has committed to sponsoring the show until 2011. Visit BAE Systems’ Technology zone on the third floor of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, or visit the website www.baesystems.com for further information about Brains.

To find out about careers at the company, talk to the team at its ‘Science & Engineering is the future’ stand on the fifth floor of the exhibition. Further details of BAE Systems education programme can be found on a dedicated website which includes a range of free on-line resources for pupils and teachers (www.baesystems.com/education).