How studying robotics and mechatronics made my childhood passion a reality

My name is Omar Maaouane Veiga, I am a Middlesex University BEng Robotics and Mechatronics graduate.

So… why did I pick this course, and why at MDX? Well, the simple (and admittedly underwhelming) answer to both is that I’ve been obsessed with robotics since I was 11. Playing with all kinds of cool gadgets and solving problems through clever reasoning has been my passion ever since.

Why Middlesex was the right place for me

As for MDX—well, not only do they offer a course that’s exactly what I love, but they also happen to have the biggest treasure trove of toys for me to go absolutely wild with. I’m talking robotic arms, mobile robots, Raspberry Pis, Arduinos—you name it. It’s like Disneyland for tech nerds like me.

In case it wasn’t already painfully obvious, what excites me most about my course is getting hands-on with hardware through fun and engaging projects—ones that actually matter in a real engineering career. If I hadn’t joined MDX, I would have never learned what a PLC is (let alone worked with one), never controlled an industrial ABB robotic arm, and definitely never gotten my hands on a highly advanced Turtle mobile robot worth hundreds of pounds!

This course has genuinely turned my childhood hobby into a real, tangible career path—one packed with exciting opportunities and a future that actually looks pretty darn awesome.

Career support and real-world experience

One thing that definitely sets MDX apart from your typical university is how much effort they put into supporting your career beyond just getting you to graduation. Right from the first year, you get the chance to compete in a national design challenge hosted by IMechE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers), which is a big deal. On top of that, MDX literally pays for your SOLIDWORKS Associate and Professional exams—so you can boost your employability without spending a dime.

Then there’s Careers and Futures, where actual experts help you fine-tune your CV and cover letter to give you the best shot at landing a job. By second year, there’s an entire module—yes, a whole module—called Engineering in Context that’s all about teaching you how the industry really works.

Winning gold at Worldskills

And then comes third year, where you get the chance to compete in WorldSkills—aka the Olympics of Engineering. You go up against teams from companies like BMW and TOYOTA in intense design engineering challenges. (Oh, and I may or may not have won gold there!) Without that opportunity, I wouldn’t have gained such a strong edge over other engineers, and my career wouldn’t have taken off the way it has.

MDX clearly puts a huge emphasis on giving students the best possible resources to kickstart their professional careers—and honestly, I value that just as much as the degree itself.

Learning from industry leaders and guest lecturers

One of the most valuable skills I’ve gained at MDX is knowing how to tap into industry knowledge beyond the classroom. A great example? Attending IET guest lectures. These events have been an absolute goldmine for insight into the engineering world—covering everything from AI-driven ant tracking (yes, that’s a thing) to how Apple may have single-handedly killed smartphone innovation.

But beyond just learning cool facts, these lectures have taught me the importance of networking and staying ahead of industry trends. Getting to chat with experienced engineers about cutting-edge topics has been eye-opening and has pushed me to seek out more opportunities like this to refine both my technical knowledge and career soft skills.

WorldSkills (where I took home gold!), gave me invaluable teamwork and design experience. All of these experiences combined have added serious value to my university journey—making me more than just a student with a degree, but an engineer ready to hit the ground running.

My future career aspirations

In my career, I aspire to become a Senior Engineer—living comfortably while doing what I love. MDX is helping me turn that goal into reality by giving me a major head start—not just through knowledge, but also by helping me build a strong network and master the art of acing interviews. They’re not just handing me a degree; they’re giving me real opportunities to excel in my career.

A perfect example? Competing in WorldSkills gave me incredible exposure to industry leaders, including managers from OMRON and FESTO. Through these connections, I gained valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the engineering world—something I wouldn’t have gotten from just sitting in a lecture hall.

Recognition on a national scale

Before graduation I received news that completely blew me away. My final year project won the Institution of Engineering Designers Best Final Year Project award. This award is given across all UK universities and looks at technical innovation, design quality, and impact. Knowing that my project was recognised on a national scale was humbling and motivating.

It was not just about me though. My supervisor, my mentors, and my peers all played a part in this. Without their support, guidance, and encouragement, none of it would have been possible. That award will always remind me of how much collaboration matters in engineering.

My Middlesex journey didn’t end at graduation

In June 2025 I finally put on the gown and cap and walked across the stage at my graduation ceremony. A little late I know, but better late than never! For some people graduation is about relief, finally being free from the stress of exams and coursework. For me it was different. It was a moment filled with joy, nostalgia, and pride. My years at Middlesex were some of the best of my life. Every time I stepped on campus I was learning, growing, and most importantly, doing what I loved.

I loved the place so much that I went back the very next day, and the next few as well, because I was still working on a project. Middlesex is my own Disneyland, and it always will be. The people, the atmosphere, and the opportunities made me who I am today, and for that I will always be grateful. 

The journey of my final year project did not end at university. On 18 July 2025, it was showcased at the Royal International Air Tattoo, one of the biggest airshows in the world. We built a custom trailer to house the real-time flight motion simulator, and over two days thousands of people tried it.

The highlight for me was when ESA astronaut Tim Peake tested the simulator himself and praised its realism. To hear feedback like that from someone of his calibre was surreal. On top of that, I had the chance to meet two Red Arrows pilots and watch their jaw-dropping display afterwards.

RIAT was mythical. Jets roaring above, crowds gathering, and me showcasing something I helped create, it felt like a dream. The project had already given me a First-Class Honours degree, recognition from Boeing and the Royal Aeronautical Society, and the IED award, but this was the perfect epilogue. It taught me about real-time systems, teamwork, accessibility, perseverance, and the magic of seeing people enjoy something you have built.

Landing a trainee role at Sigma Labs

After months of applications, interviews, and rejections, I finally landed a trainee position at Sigma Labs, a software consulting company. Over the next four months I will be trained in software engineering and data science, which will give me a much broader skillset. I am really excited about this opportunity because it will not only strengthen my robotics background but also open new doors in tech consultancy. It feels like the perfect next step.

Exploring my skills and creativity outside of engineering

Amid all the engineering and tech I also decided to try something completely different, I enrolled in a drawing course in Morley College. It has been refreshing to explore creativity outside of engineering and to use my mind in a different way. Who knows, maybe one day the two worlds will collide in unexpected ways.

Representing Middlesex at WorldSkills 2025

As if things were not exciting enough, I will also be representing Middlesex University at the WorldSkills UK Mechatronics Finals this November in Swansea. My teammate and I will compete against some of the best, and I cannot wait to put my skills to the test again. Competitions like this remind me why I love engineering so much, it is challenging, creative, and incredibly rewarding.

Advice for prospective students

My main piece of advice to prospective students? Pursue your passion. Yeah, I know—it sounds corny, but trust me, it’s the reason I’m where I am today. Following what truly excites me has opened doors I never even knew existed, and I can only hope it leads me to even greater places. So whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something you love—because that’s what will drive you to go further than you ever imagined.

About the author

Omar Maaouane Veiga studied BEng (Hons) Robotics and Mechatronics from 2022 to 2025.