Water Bots is a project which merges immersive art, engineering and technology in a series of public engagement activities. This project was funded by Arts Council England and the Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious public engagement grant, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
What We Did
We commissioned award-winning artist, Michael Candy to create three Water Bots for public engagement opportunities. The Water Bots are inspired by Birmingham’s links to the Industrial Revolution, where the canals were an important part of the city’s industrial infrastructure.
They launched for the first time at the canal at Brindleyplace on Wednesday 22nd October 2025. They also travelled to Bumble Hole, Warren’s Hall Nature Reserve in Dudley for two days of family activities on 25th – 26th October 2025. Here the families were encouraged to take part in engineering workshops, which were lead by seven volunteer engineers. The Water Bots created a magical experience along the canals, celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage.
In addition to public events, we are currently running a schools programme aimed at inspiring young people to explore careers in engineering. These sessions include STEM workshops led by engineers, sharing interactive classroom activities spanning different areas of engineering.
Impact
Launching on Frontiers Day at Birmingham Tech Week, followed by weekend activity at Warren’s Hall nature Reserve, the Water Bots project celebrates engineering, industrial heritage and the region’s green and blue spaces in Birmingham and the Black Country. The Water Bots were experienced by hundreds of visitors who interacted with the Water Bots at Brindleyplace, in the heart of Birmingham City Centre. Not only this, we also engaged and inspired families and pupils at workshops who took part in engineering activities which encourage STEM learning.
ClientCommissioned by BOMServicesInteractiveLinkbom.org.uk
