The Institution of Mechanical Engineering has launched a competition to create the project specifications for a new device for its Design Challenge, an annual competition for engineering and engineering sciences students from universities and university technical colleges (UTCs).
For 2027, the Design Challenge Steering Committee is looking for innovative projects that could still be scaled in two different levels of complexity and perform a task: a mission or a series of operations.
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The committee is looking for a device that uses hydraulics (using normal water) as a key element of its function, either as a working fluid, an energy transmission medium or the environment in which it operates. The maximum quantity of water needed is 25 litres per device.
Entrants need to provide a name for the device name using a maximum of four words; the title should be specific and descriptive of the device’s function and mission. They must also provide a description of the challenge.
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For concept and foundation classes, a maximum of 200 words can be used to describe a project in which no programmable electronics can be used; only mechanical and analogue electrical circuits can be specified. The whole device needs to be designed, assembled and tested in a small facility by undergraduate/UTC students. The device’s mission should be a repetition of activities. The maximum budget for the realisation of the device is £40.
For advanced classes, a maximum of 200 words can be used to describe a project in which programmable electronic devices (Arduino, Raspberry and similar) can be used. The whole device needs to be designed, programmed, assembled and tested in a small facility by undergraduate/UTC students. The device mission should be a sequence of activities that can be similar but not a repetition of the same task. The maximum budget for the realisation of the device is £90.
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Submissions should include a sketch that represents one of the competing devices to be associated to the submission and should cover a maximum of two A4 pages, including the full names and contacts for the team.
To get involved, project submissions should be sent to [email protected] by 22 May 2026.
Further details can be found here.