Michael McKey, a second-year Mathematics and Computer Science student at Queen's University, has found his calling in the realm of robotics, serving as both the project lead of the Mars Rover Project and the President of the Queen's Robotics Society.

"I'm currently studying Mathematics and Computer Science in my 2nd year, and I'm the project lead of the Mars Rover Project and the President of the Queen's Robotics Society, "Michael proudly states, his enthusiasm palpable in every word.

The Queen's Robotics Society, nestled within the Queens Students' Union, is a vibrant community where students from diverse academic backgrounds come together to explore the fascinating world of electronics and robotics. What sets this society apart is its inclusive approach, welcoming members regardless of their prior experience in the field.

"If you want to join, you don't need to have much formal electronics or robotics experience. For example, we have people coming in from English, Law, or Biology courses. We'll train you up and give you the skills as we have a lot of people from the early years of their PhD, and they can give lots of knowledge to everybody coming through "Michael explains, highlighting the society's commitment to diversity and skill development.

The society's activities are as varied as they are engaging. From introductory "Lego Sumo Bot" events to more advanced remote controlled Battle Bots, members have the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace. Arduino workshops form a crucial part of the society's educational offerings, taking members from coding novices to proficient developers capable of working with motors and servos.

"We also host our own events and competitions. For example, at the beginning of the year we always run one, just so everyone can get to know each other. It's normally a basic 'Lego Sumo Bot' event. If you've ever used Lego before, you've got the expertise to do it, "Michael shares, emphasising the society's welcoming atmosphere.

For those seeking more challenging projects, the society offers competitive opportunities such as Battle Bots. With the Infosec Battle Bots competition on the horizon this year, members are gearing up for an exciting and educational experience.

Michael's own journey into the world of robotics is a story of rediscovered passion and serendipity. A chance encounter with a Battle Bots event rekindled his childhood fascination with UK Robot Wars, leading him to join the society and eventually run for president.

"I saw the potential that was in the Battle Bots event and the potential in the Queen's Society. This is when I thought I must do whatever is necessary to make sure this project happens. So then, at the end of that year, I ran for the president of the society and got selected!" Michael recounts, his voice brimming with excitement.

The society's collaborative spirit extends beyond its own boundaries. A partnership with the Aerospace Society led to participation in the UKSEDS competition sponsored by Airbus, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of robotics projects.

Despite initial doubts about their chances in the competition, the team's dedication and hard work paid off. "It all changed whenever we saw the team come together. I got a lot of support from the Aerospace Society to help me with learning project management, so it all came together really well, and we realised that we can actually do a lot better than we thought we could," Michael reflects.

The team successfully advanced to the finals for their stream and in July they travelled to the Ralspace testing facility in England to compete against teams from across the UK. They received a tour of the facility and spoke with the technicians who work there on a day-to-day basis. A quarter of the James Webb telescope was built in that building, and their rover was even tested on the same testing rig used for professional equipment. The Queen's rover was the only one on the day to survive the vibration table, which is a testament to the hard work put in throughout the year.

The rover first had to collect and transport cargo on a simulated Martian terrain. Then it was tested to see how much damage the vibrations of launch would cause. For this test, they used the same vibration table that all cargo sent to orbit in the UK is tested on. Every other team's rover sustained catastrophic damage, but the Team QUB rover came out completely unscathed (with judges even joking that it was better than before after being loosened up by a light massage). This wasn't by accident, as at every stage of the design and manufacture process, all of the final mission requirements were assessed, and trade-offs were made to increase survivability. The last task required all the teams to deliver a presentation before the judges retired to deliberate on all they had seen. Amid much nail-biting and high tension, the judges returned to deliver their decision. To ecstatic applause, the winner was... QUB!

The determination and team spirit displayed before the competition were phenomenal, and it was an unforgettable experience for all involved. For a team in their first year, competing against such experienced teams as previous double winners Bath, and also experienced teams from UCL and Dubai, this was an unbelievable outcome.

The society's success is not just a testament to the members' efforts but also to the support received from Queen's University. The availability of resources, such as 3D printers for creating Mars Rover components, has given the team a competitive edge.

For students considering joining the Robotics Society, Michael dispels common misconceptions: "I would say the main misconception about joining the society is that you need to have a lot of experience and knowledge or be from an electrical and software engineering background. Some might even think that you can only join in your master's year after you get all that experience."

In reality, the society welcomes members from all years and backgrounds, providing a supportive environment for learning and growth. "You can just come to a society event and see what it's like. Check the vibe and understand if it's something that interests you. There's no commitment to joining the society as a member right away," Michael encourages.

As Michael's experience demonstrates, joining a university society can be a life-changing decision. It offers opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and networking that extend far beyond the classroom.

"You have to remember, there's no real risk of joining a society. You get to meet new people and make new friends. If anything, it's a fantastic opportunity, especially here at Queen's that you might not see because it's all behind the scenes," Michael concludes, his words a rallying cry for students to embrace the rich tapestry of university life.

In the end, Michael's journey with the Queen's Robotics Society serves as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone can lead to extraordinary experiences and achievements in university life.

UKSEDS Olympus Rover Trials - Team QUB 2023/24:

• Project Lead: Michael McKey
• Systems Engineer: Zara Hamilton
• Mechanical Engineers: Conor McIvor and Daniel Turner
• Electronic Engineers: Ewan McGrath and Cerys Watts
• Software Engineers: Karen Lau and Tom Bloomer

The Team has been kindly supported by Dr Creegan and technicians from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Queens University Belfast.

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To become a part of the society please contact the team at: robo-soc@qub.ac.uk