Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal: Public Vote
Teams of engineering students, technicians, graduates and apprentices have brought to life the innovative designs imagined by school pupils, creating prototypes that showcase creativity, engineering skills, and teamwork. This year there were 18 teams and 9 will be awarded medals.
While Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals will be awarded at the Award Ceremony in November, there is one special award decided by the public – the Commendation Medal.
This medal goes to the prototype that receives the most votes from people like you. Last year, the Solar Power Heated Blanket, designed by a 12-year-old pupil from Glasgow, won the Commendation Medal and went on to have a remarkable journey.
Celebrate creativity, engineering, and teamwork by choosing your favourite prototype.
Voting is now OPEN for the 2025 Commendation Medal.
The prototypes you’ll see below all began as ideas from pupils answering the question: “If you were an engineer, what would you do?” These engineers then worked closely with them to turn those ideas into reality.
By casting your vote, you’ll help celebrate both the pupils’ creativity and the engineers’ skill in bringing these visions to life.
Voting closes on Friday 14th November, and the winner will be announced at the Award Ceremony on Monday 17th November.
👉 Scroll down to see this year’s prototypes and cast your vote for your favourite!
Meet the Teams, Pupils and Prototypes
4 Bin Swopper
ProtoTeam: University of Southampton
Pupil: Maisie, Year 3
Description: A smart recycling bin that separates waste into four compartments to make recycling easier and more efficient.
The Attaching Suitcase
ProtoTeam: Civil Aviation Authority
Pupil: Anna, Year 4
Description: A set of suitcases that securely connect together, making it easier to travel with multiple bags.
The Bench Bed
ProtoTeam: The University of Edinburgh School of Engineering
Pupil: Libby, Primary 7
Description: A public bench that folds out into a bed at night to provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Focus Band
ProtoTeam: Thales, Glasgow – B
Pupil: Sophia, Primary 3
Description: A wearable headband that uses sensors to help people stay calm, focused, and better able to manage stress.
Heat Sensor
ProtoTeam: AVEVA
Pupil: Veda, Year 2
Description: A smart heat sensor that monitors room temperatures and saves energy by preventing wasted heating.
Hummingbird3000
ProtoTeam: Thales, Crawley
Pupil: Alexander, Year 5
Description: A miniature green energy factory, featuring a wind turbine and solar panels to produce enough electricity to power a household.
I CAN Swing
ProtoTeam: Thales, Belfast
Pupil: Malachy, Primary 5
Description: An inclusive, electric swing for all users—fully controllable and suitable for wheelchairs, promoting independence and inclusive play.
Jump Charge
ProtoTeam: Thales, Glasgow – A
Pupil: Adam, Primary 5
Description: A trampoline that generates electricity when people jump on it, helping power everyday items sustainably.
Rainbow Glasses
ProtoTeam: Thales, Cheadle
Pupil: Millie, Year 5
Description: Glasses with colour-changing lenses to help people with dyslexia read more easily by reducing visual stress.