Solent: University of Portsmouth students shortlisted for Telegraph STEM awards

Two University of Portsmouth students who have designed a robotic machine that can ‘print’ walls without human intervention have been shortlisted for The Telegraph 2015 STEM Awards.

Ali Bobaker and Pablo Arcelino de Lima, both second-year civil engineering students, have been shortlisted in the Design in the Built Environment category. 

The national awards aim to inspire undergraduates to play their part in securing the country’s future as a leader in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). 

They invite STEM students to present their ideas to some of the most influential companies across five different industry sectors: automotive, technology, energy, pharmaceutical and design in the built environment. 

Bobaker and Arcelino de Lima have designed a machine to build walls without using labourers. 

Bobaker said: “Our machine is like a 3D printer which uses concrete. We know there are already some machines out there that can do this but ours is different because it has no limitations – it can work with any size or shape of construction. 

“We’re both civil engineering students so are really interested in design and construction and were excited by this competition, which has allowed us to think about building in the future with minimal or no human intervention.”

The students’ design is one of five to be shortlisted. They will present their ideas to Atkins, the company that has sponsored their category, and if they win they will present their ideas in London later this month. The overall winner will be selected from the five category finalists and receive a prize of £25,000 and a bespoke mentoring programme. 

Arcelino de Lima is a Brazilian student on the 'Science without Borders' scheme, a Brazilian government scholarship programme which sends students to study overseas. This year the University of Portsmouth has taken 165 students, the second highest number of students in the UK. 

He said: “I’m only here for a year so I’m really keen to make the most of the opportunities available, mix with students from all over the world and get a feel for British industry.”

Head of the school of civil engineering and surveying, Dr Dominic Fox, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Ali and Pablo. They have worked hard on this award submission on top of their University work and I’m delighted that their time and effort has paid off. I have no doubt that being shortlisted for such a prestigious award during their time at Portsmouth will be an excellent platform from which to launch their civil engineering careers.”