3 minute read time.
A few weeks ago we launched the Start Your Story campaign which aims to tell more young engineering and tech entrepreneurs about how the IET can help them in their journey to innovation and commercial success. Following the launch of the campaign, two engineering graduates from the University of Manchester got in touch because they have just launched a Kickstarter campaign to develop QuadBot: a DIY 3D printable walking robot.


 Both IET members, Jack Scott-Reeve and Josh Elijah developed Quadbot to help users with little or no prior engineering experience to understand electronics, coding, 3D design and printing, and maths for robotics.


“Really the big problem we’re trying to solve is giving anyone the opportunity to learn robotics,” explains Jack. “We want to address this by creating a robotics learning experience suitable for everyone, regardless of technical background. Our target is £12,500, but we'd love for it to exceed this goal massively because it would validate the idea and we could start selling the product in retail stores!”


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The animal-inspired QuadBot comes as a kit which features a ‘Quadboard’, motors and other non-printable components while the rest of the bespoke machine can be made using domestic 3D printing technology.

 

“There is so much potential for users. QuadBot can walk, dance, light up – and, with sensors, he can follow you around while avoiding any obstacles. He can even play songs,” Jack highlights.

 

Josh and Jack first collaborated at the University of Manchester in the Robotics Society, where they supported a community of robotics learning projects. Working out of makerspaces and Makerversity in London, they went on to found their company EngiMake and develop the QuadBot.

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Jack believes that the road to successful entrepreneurship involves taking risks and trying new things, but he notes that being an engineer does bring some specific benefits…

 

“Having a technical background is a massive leg up - we can do a lot of things like 3D design, 3D Printing and PCB design between us which would be very expensive and slow if we had to pay people! Having engineering skills gives you the confidence to do a lot of new stuff – if I can do something as complex as designing a circuit, I can definitely learn how to use something simple like Twitter!”

 

The partners also believe the IET can help aspiring entrepreneurs in many ways. For example, in 2012 Josh took part in the IET Present Around The World competition, which along with the Global Challenge, is being promoted in the IET’s current Start Your Story campaign. This looks at the ways the IET both pushes and rewards young innovators through a portfolio of competitions, events and networks.

 

“We've benefited from countless events within the IET Manchester Network, but more recently it's been our membership that has benefited us the most. Being official members of the IET, with the MIET designatory letters, has helped us massively in getting the freelance engineer contracts we needed to support ourselves,” Jack highlights.

 

“In many ways, this membership has allowed us to start EngiMake; the confidence of being able to find work and having access to the IET support literature has been massive.”


*Please note that the IET is not recommending or otherwise endorsing an investment in the company. You are recommended to read the terms of any pledge carefully, and if you are in any doubt, take independent legal advice.

 
You can visit the QuadBot Kickstarter Campaign page to find out more about their invention and to find out more about the “Start your story” campaign visit www.theiet.org/start and get involved via social media by using the #Startyourstory hashtag.