By KLTV Newsdesk –

Accu looks to expand its STEM combat robot project across West Yorkshire schools

Huddersfield-based precision engineering distributor Accu has announced plans to roll out a pioneering STEM education programme across West Yorkshire schools, following the success of a pilot project at Holmfirth High School.

The six-week Antweight AccuBots challenge gave pupils the opportunity to design and build their own miniature combat robots, culminating in an action-packed finale at Accu’s Brockholes headquarters.

Engineering Skills in Action

Working alongside Accu’s Lead Engineer Patrick Faulkner, students developed scaled-down robots inspired by TV’s Robot Wars, each weighing under 150g and measuring less than 15cm².

The project took pupils through every stage of engineering design and production, from CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and early prototyping to wiring, drive integration and driver practice.

The finale saw five student-built robots battle it out in three-minute rounds within an enclosed arena, with the flipper-designed robot Circuit Breaker declared the winner.

Patrick Faulkner said: “The project we set for Holmfirth High School builds on many competencies that are needed in engineering roles, including CAD, 3D printing, electronics, metrology, engineering skills and teamwork.

“It was great to work alongside the pupils during the design and engineering stages – it just goes to show what can be achieved when schools and businesses work together on real life projects.”

Addressing the Skills Gap

The initiative comes as the UK faces a significant engineering skills shortage, with vacancies far outnumbering available qualified engineers.

Accu’s Managing Director Alastair Morris stressed the importance of engaging pupils early: “The UK needs more engineers and there are far more vacancies than there are skilled engineers to fill them.

“We wanted to play our part in addressing this and it starts in schools.

“Our combat robots challenge is an exciting and fun way to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) to life in schools, allowing students to get hands-on with precision components and hone their CAD design and engineering skills.”

Expanding Across the Region

Accu is now exploring the idea of an inter-schools robotics championship, with the final potentially taking place at the Accu Stadium at Huddersfield Town AFC in 2026.

The firm has already demonstrated its commitment to STEM education through sponsorship of the FIRST Tech Challenge UK national championships and by showcasing projects at Makers Central at The NEC Birmingham alongside Kids Invent Stuff.

Morris added: “We’re really proud of what the pupils achieved with their Antweight combat robots and look forward to being able to extend this challenge to other schools across the region.

“This programme demonstrates how effective partnerships between industry and education can inspire the next generation of engineers whilst providing students with invaluable practical skills.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

If expanded across West Yorkshire, the scheme would give secondary schools access to professional engineering mentorship, precision components, and state-of-the-art facilities, offering students an authentic industry experience that could help shape their future careers.

Schools interested in joining the programme can register their interest via Accu’s website