Paul Maynard, a Product Design Engineering lecturer from the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering recently starred alongside his three students on the Channel 4 show, Richard Hammond's Crazy Contraptions.
Whilst featured on the show, Paul, Owen, Alasdair, and Kevin, otherwise known as the ‘Technical Knockout’ team, were tasked with compiling a complex chain of events using everyday objects from a purpose-built set, to replicate Richard Hammond’s home. The aim of the challenge was that Richard could successfully make his bed from the comfort of his very own bathtub.
Owen Beresford, a Part B Engineering Management student from the Wolfson School explained: “The machine took us four full days to build. Many small components take a long time to put together, which may not be all that obvious when displayed on the TV. We tackled this one room at a time, with support from a great engineering team. Being a part of the Technical Knockout team allowed me to demonstrate the engineering skills I have acquired whilst studying at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ.”
Paul and his team had just four days to make their machines, which upon completion were judged by the world’s leading authority on chain reaction machines, Zach Umperovitch.
Owen added: “It felt fantastic to be selected to take part. The feeling of being on set was a unique one. I am proud to say I have been given the opportunity to showcase my engineering skills on national TV. As a team, I believe we illustrated engineering in a fun and jovial light which I hope has reached out to the next generation of young aspiring engineers.”
The Technical Knockout team spent a total of 7 days at Oxford’s Rebellion Studios. The episode was filmed as the first of Richard Hammond’s new seven-part series. The team's challenge aired on Channel 4 on Friday 29th April and can be watched here.