Cutting-edge technology planned for Ploughing Championships exhibition

Engineers Ireland, the national representative body for the engineering profession, is set to captivate attendees at this year's National Ploughing Championships with a dynamic exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in engineering technology.

The exhibition, designed to inspire future engineers, will be located at Block 2, Row 11, Stand 169 from September 17 to 19 at Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

With a focus on engaging the public, it invites attendees to ‘engineer the future’ and consider the range of possibilities associated with a career in engineering.

The exhibition will highlight the incredible breadth of the engineering profession, offering visitors hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in fields ranging from robotics to space exploration and automotive engineering.

Among the standout features will be Setanta, an autonomous robot dog loaned by global construction firm Mace Group. Setanta patrols construction sites, conducting laser scans to ensure structures are built according to plan, demonstrating the evolving role of robots in engineering tasks.

Visitors will also be able to interact with a Cobot, a collaborative robot designed to work safely alongside humans.

Loaned by Cobots.ie, this Cobot is equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence, enabling it to play interactive games like Xs and Os with attendees, showcasing how robotics is enhancing human-robot collaboration in everyday environments.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the Space Store, where they will experience life as an astronaut.

Using virtual reality headsets, attendees can prepare for a space launch, walk outside a space station, and even try on a replica of the Sokol space suit worn by astronaut Tim Peake.

The exhibition will also feature real meteorites, offering a tangible connection to outer space.

Another feature will be a Formula 1 experience where visitors can sit in a replica F1 race car and compete to set record lap times.

Finally, the exhibition will offer insights into biomedical engineering with a transparent, 3D-printed, life-sized arterial system, complete with a heart and arteries extending to the head, arms, kidneys, and legs.

Engineers Ireland Director General Damien Owens, said, "We are thrilled to be able to welcome those enthralled by the world of engineering, young and old, to our incredible exhibition at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

“Part of Engineers Ireland’s role is to encourage more people to take an interest, and perhaps a career, in engineering. In particular, we hope young people will take the time to explore how they can begin engineering the future and learn about the many exciting disciplines of engineering showcased at our exhibition at Ratheniska."