A passion for robotics and the evolution of technology

IET Member Catherine Cheung is an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student with a passion for robotics, AI, and the ever-evolving nature of technology.

Becoming an IET Member  

Catherine first encountered the IET through university discussions highlighting the benefits of membership, including access to events, workshops, and career opportunities. “I regularly check the events page for workshops and talks, as well as exploring IET books on topics I’m interested in,” she shared.

Membership has enabled Catherine to connect with like-minded professionals and students, gaining insights into the broader engineering landscape. “The resources and networks available through the IET have been instrumental in broadening my understanding of the engineering profession and its potential to address real-world challenges.” 

Building Robots and Sustainable Engineering

Throughout the course, Catherine has embraced hands-on projects that bring theoretical knowledge to life. A standout moment came in the second year when she participated in a group project building sumo robots. “We built our own robots that competed against other groups. It was interesting to learn how each component contributed to making the robot work and how other groups produced different versions to make it unique.”

Another pivotal experience was participating in a Donkey Car competition, where she worked on training AI robot cars to navigate tracks and avoid obstacles autonomously. “It involved multiple tests and training with a controller, for the robot to learn the path and route, avoiding misdirection,” she recalled.

Catherine has also engaged in online engineering work experiences through platforms like Springpod, tackling real-life challenges such as sustainability in engineering. These experiences have further fuelled her desire to contribute to the future of robotics and AI.

What’s Next?

Though the academic journey hasn’t been without its challenges—managing coursework deadlines, projects, and end-of-year assignments—Catherine remains resilient. “My engineering journey has gone through many ups and downs, but I have learnt a lot, applying it to past projects and for future employment/opportunities.”

Looking ahead, Catherine envisions a future in which robotics and technology play a pivotal role in advancing industries and improving lives. “I want to be able to build applications that prove useful for reality and explore the extent of the importance of technology,” she said.