ROBOTS have invaded Blandford – but only for sound educational reasons.

The Royal Signals Museum, at Blandford Camp, has purchased a number of rugged robots that will enable coding lessons at the venue’s new STEM learning rooms.

To mark the occasion, Master of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT), Kerri Mansfield JP, piloted a small multi-terrain vehicle around the corridors of Blandford Camp.

Bought by the Museum via a generous grant from the WCIT Charity, the vehicles offer youngsters hands-on experience in coding, gaining an understanding of robotic system capabilities and the communication requirements of semi- and fully-autonomous systems.

The WCIT Robotics and STEM Classroom bolster the outreach programme run by the museum, aiming to give young people an opportunity to learn about the many different employment opportunities available in the field of communications.

Other interactive education activities offered include learning Morse Code, gaining insight into the birth of electronic warfare, hands-on experience with heliograph and semaphore flags, as well as the opportunity to break declassified Second World War codes.

The museum said it had increased its engagement with students and youth groups six-fold over the past year, interacting with more than 11,000 young people.

The appointment of a new STEM Learning volunteer will also increase the variety of lesson that students and cadets of all ages can enjoy, said business manager, Adam Forty.

“These little robots have huge potential,” he went on.

“Teachers, group leaders and parents have all said that the addition of coding and robotics was fun and engaging, with our unique military angle giving real world context to the theories they learn in the classroom.

“We’re grateful to the WCIT Charity for their continued support as we promote STEM across Dorset and the wider south west.”

To learn more about the Royal Signals Museum STEM Education Programme, or to book a session, email adam@royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk.