Formula Fusion Returns!
27th – 29th of March @ UoM’s Nancy Rothwell Building
Formula fusion is MancheSTAR’s annual engineering challenge – a hackthon-style event where teams gather to tackle problems in fusion technology.
This year’s challenge: Design a maintainance and inspection robot for the STEP reactor, a next-gen compact fusion reactor for energy production. You’ll work in teams over two intensive days to design and build your solution, then present it to a panel of judges.
No prior experience in robotics or fusion is required. Just bring your curiosity, creativity, and your A-game!
Tickets are live buy them on the Student Union wesbite here.
FAQs
Friday – Pizza will be provided on the day.
Saturday – Lunch and dinner will be provided.
Sunday – Lunch will be provided.
Please indicate any dietary requirements on the sign-up form. Feel free to take a second helping once everyone has had a chance to eat!
Tickets are on sale for £5 on the Manchester student union wesbite here.
Event Schedule
Formula Fusion runs across three days in late March. It kicks off with an introductory showcase day, followed by two days of hands-on challenge work.
27th of March – Introductory Day
11:00 – 16:00
A showcase of what we’ve built this year including our fusors and the Minimak.
16:00- 16:50
Guests joining us from industry and academia will talk to us about fusion.
17:00- 17:30
Short presentation explaining MancheSTAR’s goals and vision.
17:30 – 18:00
Briefing on the challenge for Formula Fusion.
28th of March – Challenge Day 1
08:30 – 09:30
Teams must register and attend a mandatory safety briefing before starting.
09:30 – 11:00
3…2…1… GO! Delegate your team roles and come up with your game plan!
11:00- 11:45
A talk on the role of robotics in fusion will be delivered by the UKAEA.
11:45 – 12:00
Lunch is served.
12:00 – 18:00
Continue working till the end of the day and we will see you tomorrow!
29th of March – Challenge Day 2
08:30 – 09:30
Doors open early, grab some breakfast and crack on.
11:00 – 12:00
We will talk about how to present your designs for the challenge.
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch is served.
13:00 – 15:00
Teams have till 3pm to submit their designs, plan accordingly!
15:00 – 15:30
A panel of academics and industry members will judge the designs.
15:30 – 17:00
Teams deliver a short presentation showcasing their design choices and how they tackled the challenge.
17:00 – 18:00
Judges convene again and announce the winner!