Kingston University showcase celebrates £2 million investment in robotics, computing and electrical engineering facilities
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- Engineering, Computing and the Environment
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Staff from across Kingston University gathered at the Roehampton Vale campus for a special Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment event showcasing the significant investment in world‑class teaching and research facilities.
The event offered an exclusive look at the University’s newly enhanced Robotics Laboratory and Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory, part of a £2 million upgrade designed to push the boundaries of innovation, industry collaboration and hands‑on learning.
Next‑generation facilities
Guests were given an up‑close experience of the advanced technology now supporting student learning and academic research with live demonstrations spanning the latest generation of factory-grade robotic arms, high-tech humanoid robots and intelligent robotic dogs.
Visitors also explored four standout assets that define the Faculty’s distinctive approach to experiential education. These included the Airbus A320 flight simulator, a unique resource within UK higher education that provides access to professional‑level aviation technology and a helicopter simulator with a 270‑degree visual display for practising complex manoeuvres. They also had the chance to try out a virtual‑reality‑based flight simulator; and sit behind the wheel of the Formula Student racing car engineered by University students, a testament to their creativity and technical expertise.
Celebrating ambition, expertise and innovation
Provost Professor Amir Alani opened the event by recognising the ambition behind the transformation of the Engineering, Computing and the Environment facilities.
“The University’s investment has created facilities that stand among the best in the UK”, he said. Our approach has been bold, innovative and forward‑thinking, delivering on our vision for professional‑grade engineering and computing environments. These developments are already bringing tangible benefits to our students and staff.”
Investing in the latest advances across robotics, electrical engineering and computing exemplified the University’s ambitions for its students and staff, Vice‑Chancellor Professor Steven Spier said.
“This latest investment demonstrates our commitment to providing students with the very best facilities to support their learning and future success. It also strengthens our ambition to grow the reach and impact of our Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes, ensuring that our work continues to drive innovation, collaboration and positive change.”
Empowering students and driving research
For students, the new facilities are already transforming the learning experience. PhD researcher Raheel Tariq, who is studying optical fibres, said the new environment was providing invaluable opportunities on campus. “The facilities allow students to move beyond theory and to get hands‑on with the technology. Having access to the latest technical equipment is hugely beneficial for learning and research.”
Among the research staff benefiting from the investment was computer vision and AI expert Professor Vasilis Argyriou, who said the technology was transforming the ability to deliver high‑quality, innovative work.
“This investment is transforming our research capabilities, opening new opportunities for collaboration and external funding. We’re already seeing results, with three major AI and robotics projects on textile waste securing £3 million from Innovate UK. These enhanced facilities are enabling our teams to work with greater speed, ambition and impact.”
A bold step forward for Kingston University
The showcase marked a celebration not only of new technology, but of the people and ambition driving the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment. With state‑of‑the‑art facilities, pioneering research and a commitment to real‑world impact, Kingston University continues to position itself at the forefront of engineering, computing and sustainable innovation.
- Find out more about Kingston University's Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment.
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The new facilities were opened by Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier, Provost Professor Amir Alani and Chief Operating Officer Caroline Harries.
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The new facilities include an investment in a new robotics lab.
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An Airbus A320 flight simulator is one of the new facilities available to students.
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Robotics dogs are part of the new robotics facilities.
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Provost Professor Amir Alani and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment Dr Damian Chapman were among those at the showcase event.
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Provost Professor Kathy Curtis spoke to technicians within the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment.
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A helicopter simulator with a 270‑degree visual display is another new feature of the significant investment.
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Provost Professor Amir Alani opened the event with a speech about the significant investment.
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Humanoid robots showed their footballing skills in front of attendees.
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Staff were given a tour of the new multi-million-pound facilities.
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Facilities at the Roehampton Vale campus also include a wind tunnel.
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The Faculty's Deputy Dean Dr Damian Chapman and Head of Operations, Resource Management and Strategic Planning Lesley Stigling admired the new facilities.
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PhD student Raheel Tariq showed the facilities to the senior leadership team during the tours.
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Staff tested out the new virtual reality flight simulator.
