Robots, rides and brain-bending feats at New Scientist Live 2026

Schoolchildren wowed by Middlesex University’s star attractions showcasing science, technology and healthcare expertise

Pupils from North London and further afield enjoyed hands-on demonstrations at Middlesex University’s cutting-edge exhibits during New Scientist Live 2026.  

An estimated 5,500 schoolchildren attended the science and discovery event at Excel London while the University showcased interactive displays, games and talks. Over the three-day spectacle, 103 Middlesex students and 59 staff assisted across 15 exhibits.

Visitors were wowed by displays that included the ever-popular VR (virtual reality) rollercoaster. Other Middlesex attractions included displays of robot technology, interactive demonstrations exploring the brain’s electrical activity, isometric strength and jump height tests, and a molecular model-building competition.

In the robotics section, young visitors were able to direct miniature robots to move cubes using block programming or get a selfie with friendly robot ‘Baxter’. The workings of an industrial FANUC robot were demonstrated by Middlesex Mechatronics and Robotics student Pratham Lohia, a finalist in the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition.

Pratham said: “Our displays shows visitors that robot technology can have multiple applications and they’re a great way to engage pupils in STEM subjects.”

Visitors were able to have a ‘chaotic selfie’ taken in an interactive display against light paths from a swinging double pendulum. Around 1,000 selfies were taken, demonstrating science in a fun way.

Student Angelo Reny Baria, a first-year Design Engineering student who helped with the rollercoaster display, explained that as well as fun it showed mechatronics in action with the moving platform. He said: “It’s been a fantastic experience. I’ve met other Middlesex students and seen all the displays; it has been great for my personal development.”

Middlesex student Beth Adcock, who is on a three-year environmental health apprenticeship with Merton Council, supported the ‘hidden germs’ exhibit where visitors could see the germs on their hands under a UV light and were taught hand-washing techniques. She said: “Managing this exhibit has helped my communication skills, which is important for an environmental health officer, communicating with businesses and explaining legislation.”

Computer Science students Eric Johnson and Harsh Patel supported a display where participants could teach a computer to recognise everyday objects such as an apple or a pen using artificial intelligence. Eric said: “It’s been a huge opportunity to see the breadth of STEM work across Middlesex University, while my own understanding and confidence has improved.”

Pupils came from schools across North London, including Bishop Douglass Catholic School in East Finchley, Barnet and Southgate College, London Design and Engineering UTC in Newham, as well as far afield as Harpenden, Stonehenge and Chichester.

Matilda, aged 14, from a school in Harpenden, won a prize in after building molecule models such as lactic acid, in the fastest time. She said: “All the exhibits have been very hands on and interactive, helping students to think for themselves.”

Afsaneh Rasouli, a chemistry lecturer at Barnet and Southgate College, said: “This has increased our students’ knowledge of STEM subjects and given them confidence after trying out the interactive exhibitions put on by Middlesex University. From the robot displays to the VR rollercoaster and CPR demonstrations, our pupils have got a lot out of the day.”

The team on the healthcare stand trained 1,200 people to perform CPR. Also on display was Falcon 2, a fully accessible flight simulator, which was developed by the Royal Aeronautical Society in partnership with Middlesex University and others to allow children and young people with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities experience the sensation of flight

Klaus Dodds, Dean of Middlesex University’s Faculty of Science and Technology, and Professor of Geopolitics, said: “New Scientist Live represents the very best of Middlesex staff and our students. I pay tribute to the leadership of Middlesex’s engagement with this event by Professor Mehmet Karamanoglu, our Director of Industry Partnerships and Outreach for the University's Faculty of Science and Technology.”

Professor Karamanoglu, said: “Our students benefit a great deal from involvement in an event like New Scientist Live, developing their confidence in communicating and explaining science and technology to thousands of visitors.”

Find out more about Science and Technology degrees at Middlesex