Kingston University makes huge investment in new industry standard computing and engineering facilities  

This year is set to be a landmark one for Kingston University’s Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment with several exciting new facilities being opened, as part of a significant investment by the University. 

At Kingston’s dedicated engineering campus at Roehampton Vale, the University has invested in a new Airbus A320 flight simulator. It delivers real-time simulation and can be used to train pilots. The simulator aligns with professional standards in the aviation and aeronautics industry and will be available to students who study aviation operations and aerospace engineering. 

Two new labs have also been unveiled at Roehampton Vale. The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Lab is one of the most sophisticated at any university in Europe. It contains an advanced printed circuit board (PCB) laser milling machine and students can build computer motherboards in the new lab.

The new robotics lab has factory-grade capabilities which include the latest generation of robotic arm. The lab also includes high-tech humanoid robots and intelligent robotic dogs. Both labs will integrate this new technology into their teaching.

Faculty Operations Manager Lesley Stigling explained the significance of the new investment. “The University has strategically invested in upgrading our technical facilities to ensure that our students and staff are working with industry-relevant, future-ready technologies across key STEM subject areas. This means that upon graduation our students will already have the all-important practical experience embedded into their course that employers are looking for.”

There have also been significant upgrades in other areas of the faculty. Automotive Engineering students will now have access to the brand-new Radical race car which will give them hands-on experience with a high-performance car. 

In a further upgrade to Kingston’s aviation facilities a new helicopter simulator has been installed at Roehampton Vale. The simulator has a full 270 degrees visual display and allows students to practice landings, full rotations and much more. 

On top of an upgraded wind tunnel, which would be one of the most sophisticated at a UK university, the Faculty are also investing further in 3D printing. This includes one that is capable of printing a full metal engine and another that can print highly complex designs such as the human cell.

A new CAVE (Centre for Augmented and Virtual Reality Environments) full of the latest technology for computer science and games development students to use at the Penrhyn Road Campus has also recently opened and is now fully operational.

There is also a new geotechnics lab equipped with advanced soil sampling which has capability for construction students to use, while the hydraulics lab is also receiving a major upgrade in the next month.