Engineering is a vast field with applications seen almost everywhere, if something had to be created, then an engineer was more than likely behind it. Despite this, the overwhelming image of an engineer in the mind is always the grubby-handed, oil-covered, hi-vis and hardhat wearing man at some sort of factory – I say we change this. What better time to have a look at the sheer variety of engineering than National Engineering Day? In this article we will highlight the variety found within the field, discuss some of the lesser-known niches of engineering, and have a look at some examples of engineers in these fields through The Royal Academy of Engineering’s This Is Engineering initiative.
Showcasing variety in engineering
Engineering, with its diverse and multifaceted nature, extends far beyond traditional perceptions, permeating various unexpected niches and industries. From revolutionising the world of sports and fashion to shaping the realms of film production and agriculture, engineering’s influence knows no bounds. Here’s a dive into just a few of the niche examples where engineering has brought about groundbreaking innovations and redefined conventional norms.
-
In sports: engineering redefining performance
Sports engineering has become a game-changer, revolutionising athletic performance and pushing the boundaries of human capability. Engineers have contributed significantly to the development of cutting-edge sports equipment, from aerodynamically advanced bikes and footballs to the most optimum-designed running shoes and motorsport helmets. By leveraging advanced materials, biomechanical analysis, aerodynamics, and simulations, engineers are able to enable athletes to pursue new heights of speed, agility, endurance, and performance, ultimately redefining the limits of human potential within sports.
-
In fashion: where creativity meets technology
The fusion of fashion and engineering have given rise to a new era of wearable technology, innovative textile design, and advanced materials. Engineers in this field are pioneering the development of smart fabrics embedded with tech such as sensors that can monitor vital signs, track physical activity, and even adjust to environmental conditions, take the Infineon Lightning Shoe for example. Utilising tech such as 3D printing has also enabled engineers to transform the production of customised apparel and accessories pushing for intricate designs and advanced production methods. Engineering either superior materials or more sustainable ones has also become a massive part of the fashion and engineering realms, with engineers at the helm of these innovations.
-
In film: engineering an impact on the big screen
The world of filmmaking has been profoundly impacted by engineering, particularly in the realm of visual effects and animation. Engineers play a pivotal role in developing sophisticated software and hardware systems that enable filmmakers to create stunning visual effects, realistic animations, and immersive virtual environments. From the development of advanced CGI (computer-generated imagery) to the creation of complex motion-capture technologies, engineers are instrumental in bringing fantastical worlds and characters to life on the silver screen, captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
-
In agriculture: innovations that are cultivating sustainability
Engineering has also made significant contributions to the agricultural sector, facilitating sustainable farming practices and addressing global food security challenges. Agricultural engineers are at the forefront of developing precision farming technologies, such as GPS-guided tractors and drones, which optimise crop production and minimise environmental impact. Moreover, the development of efficient irrigation systems (such as vertical farms), renewable energy solutions for farming operations, and innovative food processing technologies underscores engineering’s crucial role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring a secure and resilient global food supply.
Meet some of the engineers
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s This Is Engineering initiative is aiming to show more people, particularly the next generation, what engineering really looks like. No longer should the image of an engineer be the hands-on, his-vis, hardhat stereotype, but instead an exciting and rewarding path that people can apply almost any passion to.
Highlighting this, meet some of the young engineers demonstrating their passions within various engineering industries:
-
Harvey Hudson – net zero navigator
Harvey’s passion lies within preserving the environment that he cherishes most, to accomplish this he is know pursuing an apprenticeship with Vital Energi where he is able to help companies reduce the amount of carbon they emit and reach net zero targets.
Learn more about Harvey’s journey, day-to-day activities, and more here.
-
Orla Murphy – audio designer
Orla has a passion for all things music, rooted since she was a young child. Taking this passion and marrying it with engineering, she now works for Jaguar Land Rover designing and perfecting sound systems to produce audio bliss on the move.
Learn more about Orla’s journey, day-to-day activities, and more here.
-
Pavlina Akritas – light painter
With a passion for fashion and expressing her own unique styles, Pavlina has made a role for herself as a lighting engineer. Working for Arup, she is now able to express her style designing lighting for fashion shows, museums, and art galleries.
Learn more about Pavlina’s journey, day-to-day activities, and more here.
-
Ben Crowther – farming futurist
Ben has always had a passion for the environment as well as for helping others, now, through studying engineering, he gets to do both. Founding his own company, LettUs Grow, he now utilises aeroponics to farm using less water and feeding more people in a carbon efficient manner.
Learn more about Ben’s journey, day-to-day activities, and more here.
-
Olivia Sweeney – sustainable systems expert
With sustainability as a key interest and sick of feeling small compared to the size of the global sustainability challenge, Olivia has set out to make an impact through engineering. She now works as a chemical engineer at Resource Futures to help pioneer reduced waste, increase recycling, and help build more circular systems.
Learn more about Ben’s journey, day-to-day activities, and more here.
-
James Spurr – tennis technologist
A sport lover at heart, James has made a career behind the scenes rather than playing it himself, pairing his interests in engineering with his passion for tennis. As a sports engineer in tennis he now studies the engineering behind tennis rackets, balls, the court, and how platers interact with their kit to improve their game and keep the sport accessible to all.
Learn more about James’ journey, day-to-day activities, and more here.
Finishing thoughts
So, there we have it, not every role in engineering must be hardhats and hi-vis, and there’s plenty of ways to marry your own passion with your interest in engineering. Maybe this National Engineering Day, take a moment to think about some of your favourite things, and the ways in which engineering can be applied. You might even find yourself making a career out of it.
