Sensor to let clothes bank operators know when bins are full exhibited at Sligo ATU engineering expo
A range of high-profile exhibitors were in attendance, including Abbott, Hollister, Philips Medisize, Kirby Group Engineering, and the AIMS Centre, showcasing the latest in industry innovation and career opportunities.
Among the standout moments of the 2025 Expo was the announcement of this year's student project award winners.
John Spain and Lucy Malone (BEng in Robotics and Automation) took home the Public Vote for Best Project for their creation of MADRA – a Motorised Agile Dextrous Robotic Animal.
Other winners included Pablo Pacheco Ruiz (BEng in Electronic and Computing) for his Smart Irrigation System, awarded in the Electronics & Computing category by Philips-Medisize Sligo.
Jack Quinn and Mahmoud Tahmasebi (BEng in Robotics and Automation) who earned recognition from AbbVie in the Mechatronic Engineering category for a Development Platform for Autonomous Driving using ACNMR.
Joseph and Emmet Flanagan (BEng in Mechanical Engineering) who received the Mechanical and Precision Engineering award from Abbott Diabetes Care for their Bin Surveillance System (BSS), use a simple sensor device fitted to clothes banks, to tell when the units are full.
This device will alert collectors when clothes banks need to be emptied, which will save money on transport costs and reduce spoiling of donations.
The Ronan Healy Memorial Award went to Oisín McLoughlin and Killian Hagan (BEng Hons in Robotics and Automation) for their project Legatron, presented by Abbott.
This innovative device is designed to assist individuals with reduced mobility by enabling them to walk more independently.
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New for 2025, the Expo introduced a Fireside Chat Stage, where attendees listened to thought-provoking conversations with industry leaders, engineers, alumni, and educators sharing insights into emerging trends and career journeys.
Support services were also on hand, including the ATU Careers Service, ATU Apprenticeships, and ATU Online Learning, offering guidance and information to prospective students and upskilling professionals alike.
Speaker at the event, Trevor McSharry, Head of Faculty of Engineering & Design at ATU Sligo, said:
'The Sligo Engineering & Technology Expo continues to be one of the most exciting and engaging events of our academic year.
'It connects our students with industry leaders, opens doors for secondary school pupils considering their future, and gives the public a real sense of the opportunities available in this dynamic and evolving sector.'
Also commenting at the event, Sean O'Hara, Site Director of Abbott's Diabetes business in Donegal, said:
'The future of the world we live in will be shaped by the creativity and ingenuity of the next generation of engineers and computer graduates.
'Every day at Abbott, these professions contribute to game-changing healthcare innovations that improve lives. We are proud to sponsor the Sligo Engineering & Technology Expo again this year and hope it inspires many young people from across the Northwest to pursue these exciting and impactful careers.'
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