21 Jul 2025
Oxford Robotics Institute Engages Future Innovators at Oxplore Festival in Bradford
Researchers from the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) recently took part in the Oxplore outreach festival in Bradford, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
A team of four postdoctoral researchers and students represented ORI at the festival, which welcomed over 800 school-aged children for two days of hands-on STEM learning and exploration. The team showcased ‘Frank’, the Institute’s cutting-edge dual-arm robotic manipulator, which is used to develop cutting-edge machine learning methods for collaborative manufacturing. In particular, Frank is used to train world models that allow robots to perceive and understand their environment so that they can assist humans in a small-batch manufacturing context. These contexts currently include the assembly of constructed beams, which is typically a manual task.
Frank is a highly capable robotic system equipped with two articulated arms designed to replicate human-like dexterity and coordination. Each arm is fitted with torque sensors and precision joint actuators, allowing Frank to perform complex tasks such as assembling components, manipulating tools, or responding to physical interactions. The robot is used as a research platform to study how intelligent systems can learn from their environment and adapt to real-world challenge - a key focus in the field of embodied intelligence.
Young attendees had the opportunity to interact with Frank, learn about the technologies that power robotics, and ask questions directly to researchers working at the forefront of embodied intelligence and autonomous systems. The demonstrations highlighted how robots can sense, learn, and adapt—pivotal themes in the ORI's research into intelligent, embodied agents.
The Institute’s participation was supported by the EPSRC Embodied Intelligence research grant, which funds research aimed at building machines that integrate sensing, acting, and collaboration.
"It was incredibly rewarding to see so much enthusiasm and curiosity from the students," said one of the researchers. "Outreach like this not only demystifies robotics, especially as the kids were able to interact safely with our robot Frank, but also lights the way for their futures in science and engineering."
The Oxplore festival is part of a broader effort by the University of Oxford to widen access and engagement with research, particularly in communities that are underrepresented in higher education.
Learn more about the Oxford Robotics Institute, its research and its public engagement work.
Close-up of Frank, a dual-arm robotic manipulator from the Oxford Robotics Institute.
ORI with Frank the robot, engaging students at the Oxplore Festival in Bradford.
A group of school-aged children stands in front of Frank the robot, watching a hands-on demonstration.
Observing Frank’s interaction with the environment during a demo.
