Bringing AI to life, with the help of a robot dog called Lexi, BAE Systems’ STEM Schools Roadshow invites participants to explore one of the world’s emerging technologies through live demonstrations and interactive activities.

During the roadshow's recent visit to Withernsea High School, year 7 and 8 students were given an opportunity to explore the technology’s capabilities.

Viki Foster, school careers leader, said: “As a technology that is rapidly evolving, AI is already shaping the future employment landscape by changing existing roles while also creating brand new ones. Events such as the BAE Systems STEM roadshow are essential in helping our students to explore their future options – giving them an insight into the real-world application of a variety of technologies in the workplace, while also highlighting the many job opportunities that could be available to them in the future.”

BAE Systems launched their first nationwide educational roadshow in 2005. The RAF joined as a partner in 2008, with the Royal Navy adding its support in 2015. To date, it is estimated that the roadshows have visited over 5,000 schools and reached over 1.3 million primary and secondary school students aged between 10 and 13 years old.

Covering topics such as electricity, space, magnetism, energy, maths, waves, physics and biomimicry, the roadshows provide a platform for young people to explore the practical applications of scientific and technological concepts in real world scenarios.

Tania Gandamihardja, group human resources director at BAE Systems, said: “As one of the UK’s leading advanced engineering and technology companies, we have a long history of nurturing young talent and helping to educate young people on the value of studying STEM subjects. I’m proud of the part our school roadshows have played in that over the last 20 years and I’m delighted that we have secured new funding to take us up to a quarter of a century of inspiring young minds in this way.”

The continuing success of the project has led to a renewed commitment from all three stakeholders, coupled with a shared funding investment of £3.5 million, to maintain the roadshows until at least 2030. 

With thousands of engineers already employed across BAE Systems, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, the continuation of the roadshows aims to encourage and support a highly skilled workforce of the future.

Commander Chris Pinder from the Royal Navy STEM programme said: “The Royal Navy relies on STEM expertise to design, build, deploy and maintain our world-class ships, submarines and aircraft around the world. Galvanising the engineers and scientists of the future is essential and the additional funding to maintain this excellent programme is hugely welcome.”

Wing Commander Russ Barnes, Royal Air Force Youth STEM programme, added: “STEM subjects are at the heart of everything we do in the Royal Air Force and wider UK Armed Forces. Without skilled and passionate individuals, our day-to-day work would be impossible. The school roadshows will continue to play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators, aviators and engineers.”

This year’s roadshow launched last month at St Mary's College in Hull. Throughout the rest of the year, it will visit more than 500 schools up and down the country, bringing AI to life for an estimated 130,000 pupils.

ABOVE: Lexi, the AI robodog, is helping to educate primary and secondary school pupils about the use of AI technology as part of BAE Systems’ latest STEM roadshow.