The 2023 Scottish Member Group AGM was held in August 2023 at the National Robotarium on Heriot-Watt University Campus. The SMG are happy to report increased attendance from the previous year, as well as positive feedback on the event speakers!

The venue was a fitting spectacle for the diverse range of members – as the UK’s premier robotics hub, it boasted state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities supporting innovation across multiple industries. Stewart Miller, CEO of the centre, introduced the audience to the future of the robotics industry, and the challenges the UK faces to ensure it is at the forefront of the latest technologies. The Robotarium’s remit across a number of areas was explored, including autonomous systems, human-robot interaction and precision laser applications.

An equally forward-thinking presentation was then given by Xiong-Wei Ni, Professor of Reaction and Process Engineering at Heriot-Watt University and Director of NiTech Solutions. This discussion centred around process intensification, with the core principles explored through advancements in oscillatory baffled reactors. A number of benefits were explored, including waste uptake, system efficiency and equipment downsizing, as well as a wide range of applications.

Following the presentations, healthy discussions took place involving events and systems to kick-start areas of Group activity which had been dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic. A new Treasurer, Claire Johnstone, was appointed unanimously to the Group Committee, and will bring experience from her previous role as Chair of the Cumbria Members’ Group. Gary Callachan and Sandy Nimmo retained their Committee positions of Chair and Secretary respectively.

The Group hopes to engage its membership over threefold this year in comparison to the previous 12 months, and looks forward to targeted learning, networking opportunities and an all-round positive impact on the IChemE community.