Budding young computer scientists explore Artificial Intelligence at Exeter

During the course, the group of 13 and 14 year old students explored the progress that has been made in this exciting field and some of the remaining challenges, while gaining an invaluable insight into University life.

Students worked in small teams across a range of activities and learnt a range of technical skills. These skills were then used to develop their own computer programmes to navigate a Lego Mindstorms NXT through an unseen maze.  Throughout the four days, students also developed their teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities.

To celebrate their achievements, a formal dinner was held at Reed Hall with guests treated to lively presentations from the students on what they had learnt and developed.

As well as introducing participants to the world of artificial intelligence, the programme also aimed to inform and inspire students about the range of career opportunities that would be open to them as qualified graduates.

The Smallpeice Trust promotes engineering as a career choice for young people, through in-school STEM days, after-school STEM clubs and residential courses. The Artificial Intelligence course is a brand new course this year, developed in partnership with the University of Exeter.

Dr Andrew Cave, Chief Executive of The Smallpeice Trust, said: "Thanks to the University of Exeter, these students have been given a worthwhile insight into artificial intelligence. This has become an important area of study with a wide range of applications in fields ranging from financial trading systems to gaming and medicine. The students have enthusiastically worked on some interesting projects, enjoyed their first taste of working and living in a University, and had the chance to explore some fascinating topics."

Dr Zena Wood of the University of Exeter added: "The University of Exeter is at the forefront of the fast-developing field of artificial intelligence and our research and teaching is focused on applying the latest developments in computer science to really important fields, such as aviation and medicine. Events like this provide a wonderful opportunity for us to share our expertise and to encourage young people to consider a career in this really exciting and important area of science."