Mechanical bees, biofuels and better prosthetics could shape next decade, UK pupils say

Mechanical bees used to pollinate plants are one of the ways that engineering could shape the next decade, according to UK pupils.

The forward-thinking ideas were selected by more than 50 pupils ahead of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, which starts today (7 November).

The concepts, also including wider use of biofuels and rewilding projects to increase biodiversity, have been highlighted in the Future Minds Broadcast. The video will be viewed at schools around the UK through online and in-class discussions, after which pupils will propose more ideas and vote on their favourites.

The top ideas about how engineering will shape entertainment, the environment, technology and sport in the next 10 years were:

• Rewilding projects to increase biodiversity
• Biofuels for power
• Enhanced CGI to create more engaging content  
• Rendering films and TV in 360° for a more immersive experience
• Developing mechanical bees to increase pollination levels 
• Improved space travel, for easier transfer of resources
• Prosthetics to make sport more accessible for people with physical impairments
• Improved data from fitness apps, so that users can enhance their performance.

Celebrating its 10th year, Tomorrow’s Engineers Week aims to highlight that engineering is a “creative, problem-solving, exciting career that improves the world around us in a huge variety of ways”.

“Young people are such an inspiration, and hearing their thoughts on how engineering can shape the world around us in the next decade has been enlightening,” said Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of organiser EngineeringUK.

“It is ideas and conversations like those in the Tomorrow’s Engineers Week Future Minds Broadcast that spark inspiration, and can result in real differences to everyone’s futures.

“Engineering improves the world around us in so many vital ways, and we’re thrilled to give young people this opportunity to use their voices and ideas to help shape the future. I hope that students across the UK this week will see that engineering could offer them a rewarding career in a field of their choice.”

Watch the Tomorrow’s Engineers Week Future Minds Broadcast and vote on your favourite ideas.

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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.