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Southern Regional College (SRC) has invested £55,000 in two humanoid robots as part of its continued investment in technology for students. The robots which have made an appearance on 'This Morning' will become part of the learning experience from the start of the new academic year.
The pair, a Unitree G1 and a Unitree G1 Educational (EDU) model, will give students the chance to move beyond theory and gain hands on experience with the technologies shaping future workplaces. Students will have opportunities to programme the robots, test artificial intelligence models and explore robotics, automation, computer vision, sensors and software development. The EDU model offers even greater possibilities, designed for universities, research laboratories and software engineers, with enhanced specifications that allow users to write custom code, test AI models and directly control the robot's joint movements.
Name That Robot
As part of their official welcome to college life, the two robots are now in need of names. SRC is inviting students and members of the public to submit suggestions for both humanoid robots, with a goodie bag on offer for the winning entries. Submissions can be made via forms.cloud.microsoft before midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Unitree Robots purchased to allow students to get hands on with emerging
technology.
Degree level students will use the robots to build and develop skills in robotics and automation, programming and software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computer vision and sensor technology. The projects will also challenge students to develop skills in problem-solving, troubleshooting, experimentation, research and multidisciplinary working, while Further Education students will have opportunities to interact with the robots and incorporate them into project-based learning.
So far the robots have had a soft introduction to college life, appearing at several events showing off their dance moves and attracting plenty of attention. That comes to an end with the start of the new academic year, when the work begins in earnest.
Stephen Herron, Computing Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, commented on the investment. "SRC's investment in humanoid robotics gives students the opportunity to move beyond simulation and theory and work directly with emerging robotic technology. Students will be able to explore programming, artificial intelligence, computer vision, automation and robot control using a physical humanoid platform, developing practical skills and experience relevant to the technologies and workplaces of the future."
