School pupils in Kilmarnock got up close and personal with robots during a day of exciting workshops. 

The National Robotarium made its first visit to East Ayrshire when the team visited primary six pupils at Gargieston Primary.

The National Robotarium, based in Edinburgh, opened its doors in September 2022 and has built a world-class reputation in advancing research in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

A key goal of the facility is to engage with the next generation of robotics and AI engineers so staff from the Robotarium packed up their robots and headed to Gargieston Primary’s STEM week.

The young people were asked to design their own robots to help with tasks around the house.

They also got an opportunity to operate small robots, creating mazes for the robots to follow and to interact with the larger robots. 

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Councillor Elaine Cowan, the council’s spokesperson for education, and children and young people, was invited to join the Robotarium workshop by headteacher Julie McKee.

Also taking part on the day were local members, Councillors Douglas Reid, Iain Linton, Lillian Jones and James Adams, and Graham McGinn, Depute Head of Education.

Councillor Cowan said: "What an incredible opportunity for our young people to learn from leaders within the robotics and AI world.

"Blair, Alex and Hannah were fantastic with our young people and I can't thank them enough for taking the time to visit Gargieston Primary and for inspiring the future generation of engineers.

"I would also like to thank Gary Neilson, ICT co-ordinator, who worked really hard to secure this visit and to headteacher Julie McKee who is working with her team to ensure STEM week is out of this world for the children and young people.

"They will be heading to Dumfries House next week for workshops on Satellites in Space and then will be learning about the technology within the Ayrshire Growth Deal, so there is still lots to learn."