The Edifier ES20 is a compact portable Bluetooth speaker that can deliver 6W (RMS) of dynamic sound with punchy bass, thanks to the features a Φ43mm full-range driver with neodymium magnets and a Φ55mm passive bass radiator, powered by a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier. With an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, it’s built for both indoor and outdoor use. Enjoy up to 15 hours of continuous playback, Bluetooth 5.4 with stereo pairing and multi-point connection, and clear calls via the built-in high-sensitivity microphone. Ambient lighting effects and Edifier ConneX app support add a personalized, connected experience.
Having tested the bigger model which is the ES60 some weeks ago I had high expectations and as always Edifier do not dissapoint considering the size of this speaker, not only does it have good looks it has great sound and also sports lighitng effects to suit any mood.
Also on board is the Edifier ConneX app which allows you to customise things even more making it a more vibrant speaker and allows you to cahnge the EQ the light effects and volume and is a simple UI and App to use on this speaker making it easy to get the desired effects.
The sound is excellent for its size as you will see in the video review down below and we also go through the app so you are aware of what is going on it is simple.
Overall this speaker looks great and sounds great ansd ideal for any home or office or your bedside locker giving you a punchy sound and will easily fill a room with good tunes.
Edifier ConneX App
DYNAMIC 6W RMS SOUND: 43 mm full-range driver and 55 mm passive bass radiator powered by a Class-D amp deliver punchy bass and clear highs for rich audio
SEAMLESS BLUETOOTH V5.4: Multi-point pairing lets you connect two devices simultaneously or sync two ES20 speakers for immersive stereo sound
LONG-LASTING PLAYTIME: High-capacity battery delivers up to 15 hours of continuous playback and USB-C fast charging restores full power in no time
DURABLE COMPACT DESIGN: Fully dustproof and waterproof for reliable outdoor performance, with included strap for secure, on-the-go listening
MOOD-SETTING AMBIENT LIGHTING: Five built-in effects enhance any setting from cozy indoor gatherings to backyard outdoor parties, adjustable via top controls or the app
INTUITIVE CONTROLS & APP CUSTOMIZATION: Use top buttons or EDIFIER ConneX app for playback control, volume, lighting and sound mode customisation
The Stealth RADAR gaming headset is a simple plug and play headset that works on pretty much any device or multiplaftorm and is not only for just kids but adults alike with an aviator look
The colour model we tested is probably the best loking out of the look leaning towards a Ninendo Switch console and looks nice it is also light a very robust and has a tough braided cable for power.
No app is required on set up here unlike other gaming headsets which can be a cumersome process which make this an easy choice for kids and parents alike.
There is a built in mic and the headset is wired you may need an adapter for some products however but this is not really much of an issue today with USB-C being the main connector although it does use a 3.5mm jack you can aleviate this is your product has no headphone jack via an adapter.
There is also a pop filter on the mic making it sound great on the other end, tested on mobile console and PC I had no issues here at all.
With 40mm drivers the sound is great to be fair even for the price and any user will be happy with how it performs even with just music there was no tinny sound when maxed out or any latency of course veing wired that is why.
The intergrated controls work really well with a simple volume wheel and mute switch for the mic making if a fun and easy to use hassle free headset for most kids and even adults who do not want the fuss of more hard core ones in which we have a review of coming soon, check the video below for more.
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Features
Multiformat
• 40 mm speaker drivers
• Larger domed earcups
• Flexible, letherette headband
• Soft-foam, breathable mesh ear cushions
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Braided cable
• On-board audio controls
• Built-in mic with pop filter
QCY, a global leader in the wireless audio industry, today launches the Crossky C50 Clip-on Open Ear Wireless Earbuds, the brand’s latest innovation in open-ear audio. Designed to adapt, connect, and inspire, the Crossky C50 blends intelligent sound optimization, refined design, and seamless user control, delivering an effortless audio experience for daily use.
Smarter Sound, Perfectly Balanced: Audio That Adapts to You
The Crossky C50 introduces a new era of personalized listening with self-adaptive magnetic contact technology and a symmetrical acoustic cavity, which intelligently balances audio between the left and right earbuds. This innovation enables users to wear either earbud in any ear with ease, eliminating the need to distinguish between left and right. Whether transitioning between daily activities or settling into focused work, the C50 ensures a seamless and immersive audio experience throughout.
Equipped with a dual-layered circular NdFeB driver system and a carbon fiber composite diaphragm, the C50 offers powerful low-frequency extension down to 20Hz and a 40% increase in driving force. With less than 3% total harmonic distortion, it delivers deep bass, crisp highs, and dynamic clarity across every genre.
Powered by QCY’s proprietary triple algorithm suite—including bass enhancement, dynamic audio tuning, and adaptive volume control—the C50 intelligently adjusts sound in real-time to match your surroundings, providing consistently immersive audio whether you’re enjoying music or taking calls.
Further enhancing clarity, AI-powered wind noise cancellation and dual-mic beamforming significantly improve voice pickup in outdoor conditions. A directional acoustic structure also minimizes sound leakage by up to 90%, preserving your privacy in public environments.
Crafted for Comfort and Built to Endure: The Ultimate Open-Ear Design
Comfort and durability are central to the Crossky C50’s everyday appeal. Built with skin-friendly liquid silicone and a flexible memory titanium wire, the earbuds offer a lightweight yet secure fit for all-day wear. The multi-angle ergonomic structure evenly distributes pressure, reducing ear fatigue even during extended use.
Visually, the C50 balances performance with elegance. It features a leather-textured surface, a metallic star-ring accent, and nano-level electroplated engraving—giving it a sleek, premium aesthetic. Available at launch in elegant Off-White, with bold Black and vibrant Pink arriving soon, the design complements both active and everyday styles.
Engineered for active lifestyles, the earbuds are built tough: With a sealed acoustic chamber and triple-layer waterproof protection (IPX5 rating), these earbuds resist sweat, rain, and intense workouts. With up to 7.5 hours of continuous playback and 35 hours of total battery life with the charging case, the Crossky C50 delivers endurance that matches your pace. A 10-minute quick charge provides 2 additional hours of playtime, ensuring you’re never without sound for long.
Touch, Tap, Go: Smart Control and Seamless Connections
The Crossky C50 simplifies daily use with a smart “wear-and-go” setup, allowing instant transitions between mono and stereo modes. Users can use either earbud independently and re-wear on the move without any hassle.
Touch-sensitive controls allow you to play/pause music, answer calls, or adjust volume with just a tap—no need to reach for your phone. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or multitasking, you stay in full control.
Thanks to dual-device connectivity, you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously—easily switch between phone calls, meetings, and music. With Bluetooth 6.0, the C50 offers low latency, fast pairing, and ultra-stable performance across the board.
For users seeking deeper customization and enhanced functionality, the QCY App further elevates the experience. The app provides access to preset and custom equalization tuning, touch control customization, battery level monitoring, firmware upgrades, and a convenient ‘Find My Earbuds’ feature. It also enables multi-point connection management, ensuring the Crossky C50 adapts precisely to your preferences and lifestyle.
Availability & Price
The QCY Crossky C50 is now available in Off-White on QCY’s official store and authorized retailers, with pricing starting at USD $40 (regional pricing may vary). Black and Pink colorways will follow soon. Engineered for movement, crafted with purpose, and powered by intelligent sound—this is a new era of everyday listening.
Shure has announced the MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface, at CES 2025. Featuring a world-first and patented technology, the MV7i sets a new standard of versatility and ease-of-use for podcasters, musicians, and streamers who require two channels of recording. Answering the needs of today’s creators, the MV7i enables users to directly connect a second XLR microphone of their choice or musical instrument (keyboard, guitar, etc.), eliminating the need for an external hardware interface. Designed to simplify the way creators record audio, the MV7i offers the same unmatched audio quality as the award-winning MV7+ – complete with onboard DSP and MOTIV Mix™ desktop and MOTIV mobile app integration.
Shure MV7i Smart Microphone
“Whether they’re recording a podcast with a guest or tracking vocals and instruments simultaneously in their home studio, creators need technology that simplifies their workflow and makes capturing audio seamless,” says Eduardo Valdes, AVP of Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure. “The MV7i delivers the same renowned sound signature as the celebrated MV7+ and streamlines the creative process, saving creators from additional expenses and the hassle of confusing setups so they can focus on their craft and push boundaries, while we handle the technology. By combining Shure’s legendary microphone audio quality with an integrated interface, we’re eliminating complexity while maintaining professional standards, all in one elegant solution.”
Engineered for seamless two-channel recording, the MV7i supports diverse creative needs, from podcasting with a guest to recording vocals and instruments. The built-in interface lets users seamlessly connect a second microphone or instrument directly into the MV7i, and then control both channels of audio either in the MOTIV apps through a computer or phone or with any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and app. Its powerful, built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engine ensures studio-quality sound on both channels, minimising production setup. Creators can adjust the DSP setting on each of the MV7i’s two channels independently.
Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7B, the MV7i’s design is complemented by a durable metal chassis, ensuring longevity and reliability. The microphone includes a built-in combo XLR and ¼” input, enabling users to connect a second microphone or instrument with 60dB gain and 48V phantom power, compatible with both dynamic and condenser mics. The MV7i instantly detects input type and automatically selects and applies the appropriate DSP for the recording application. Its USB-C output ensures broad compatibility with Mac, Windows, and select mobile devices, and is MFi certified for iPhone and iPad use. Additionally, the colour-customisable LED touch panel provides intuitive mute control and a dual-channel LED display for quick, at-a-glance access, simplifying adjustments during recordings and livestreams. The MV7i is compatible with your favourite Digital Audio Workstation and streaming platform.
“Creators no longer need a separate interface. The MV7i puts it all in one convenient and space-saving package, designed for users regardless of their level of audio knowledge,” continued Valdes. “Customised control of the microphone through MOTIV Mix makes it even easier to use.”
Key Features and Benefits
Auto Level Mode with SmartGate™ Technology: Automatically calibrates gain based on proximity, volume, and room dynamics. SmartGate works with Auto Level Mode to dynamically reduce the volume of a channel when either of the two users falls silent, minimising crosstalk and guaranteeing that concurrent conversations do not disrupt the separate audio streams.
Real-Time Denoiser: Actively reduces ambient noise, ideal for podcasting and at-home recording.
Digital Popper Stopper™: Removes harsh plosive sounds, ensuring clear audio without a physical pop screen.
Adjustable Reverb: Select from three reverb types with customisable intensity, perfect for versatile recording environments.
The MV7i answers the increasing need for versatile, professional-grade recording solutions that can keep up with today’s fast-moving content landscape. With the explosive growth in podcasting, streaming, and home music production, creators require studio-quality audio solutions that are both powerful and intuitive. The MV7i’s innovative dual-channel capability addresses this demand head-on, extending Shure’s legacy of excellence in the creator and musician space.
MOTIV Mix™ Desktop App
Unlock the full potential of the MV7i through the MOTIV Mix app. This platform lets users customize the LED panel, access up to five multi-track recording and routing channels, and fine-tune settings like sound signature, gain, and more. At launch, users can leverage three powerful output configurations:
· Mixdown Mode: Combines microphone and mono input audio into one mono audio output. Perfect for occasions when you want to use the audio quickly with no additional post-production.
· Multi-Track Mode: Renders two separate mono audio tracks: one for the microphone and one for the XLR-1/4” input. Ideal when you want to keep the two tracks separate for further editing.
· Stereo Mode: Combines microphone and stereo input audio into one stereo audio track. Preserves the stereo audio from the Input and places mic input in both left and right channels. Great for voiceovers with stereo audio in the background.
MV7i Mobile Support The MV7i can be connected to smartphones or tablets over a USB-C cable, enabling users to record two channels of audio directly into their mobile devices. Users can record two channels of audio directly into their favourite apps or choose to leverage the Shure MOTIV Audio and MOTIV Video apps to record and adjust their preferred DSP settings while on-the-go.
Pricing and Availability
Shure is showcasing the MV7i for the first time at Pepcom CES Digital Experience in Las Vegas. The MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface is available now for £329 / €389 / $349 RRP. Each purchase comes with a quick start guide, 3m USB-C to USB-C cable, and download instructions for MOTIV Apps. For additional information on the MV7i Microphone, please visit www.shure.com/mv7i.
The FULAIM X5M Wireless Lavalier Microphone is an affordable kit for those who want to up their game in the audio area for podcasts, videos and more.
Coming in a super cool case in comes with plenty of accessories and will be kept secure and charged in the case which alone garners attention and anyone that has been in my house spotted this a mile away not realising how much the technology has changed over the years when it comes to mics.
You have 4GB of on board storage and will store in WAV format and you can then transfer via USB-C however not compressed there is one click noise cancelling too which is hand and it is easy to set up with no software installation required and is widely compatible with other products such as phones and tablets and of course cameras and it is a plug and play set up, in fact the easiest ones to use full stop making it ideal for anyone in a rush or stuck on time.
You get all the attachments in the box along with the three main components here and is securely held in the case when not in use and you get around 9 hours of use and a killer feature is the range it has which is said to be 656ft which is remarkable.
The transmitter itself can be mounted anywhere including you under your shirt or top and not visible and no wires visible giving it a professional look.
There UI is easy to read and there is not an ocean of buttons to play around with and the display is clear and looks well on the unit and in colour.
Compared to other models out there this is the best one stop shop and easy to use mic out there now and worth every penny, see more in the video below and some audio samples.
One-touch noise reduction function
Onboard Memory: Built-in storage function to prevent audio frame drop, loss, and other issues.
Long press the SET button of the TX for 2 seconds to start/end the recording. b. This function is only be used for audio backup.
Recording files are automatically saved/deleted in cycles.
Storage space is about 4GB and it can store audio in WAV format. The audio files will not be compressed. The recording files are exported by using the Type-C cable.
Magnetic attachment: The transmitter can not only be worn on clothes through the clip but also has a magnetic attachment that can be worn at any position.
Charging case design: Intelligent management of TX/RX power switch, no need for manual operation (automatic shutdown with the lid closed, automatic power on with lid open)
18 Hours Long-Lasting Power Supply, easy for outdoor use
6 hours of each TX + 6h2 The charging case can fully charge the microphone device twice.
Vastly compatibility
Equipped with 3.5MM, Type-C/lightning adapters.
Multi-mode audio output
Mono
Stereo
Ms(safe track output): The right channel output is 6 dB less than the left channel.
Support cell phone external monitoring: When using the microphone on a cell phone, in addition to the traditional way of plugging a 3.5mm headphone into the receiver for real-time monitoring, it also supports cell phone external monitoring.
The audio sample rate and audio bit depth of X5 mics are 48000Hz and 16 bits.
Shure, the audio brand behind nearly a century of cutting-edge microphone technology, today introduced the SM4 Home Recording Microphone, a versatile, large-diaphragm condenser microphone engineered for at-home and studio recording of both vocals and instruments. With a meticulously engineered dual-diaphragm capsule and a patent-pending RF shielding system, the SM4 empowers artists to create professional-quality recordings regardless of their setup, environment, or experience level.
“The SM4 is designed to reflect the modern workflows of musicians, engineers, and creators who are serious about their craft, helping them overcome the issues that make engineers cringe: plosives, harsh high-frequency response, undefined low-end, and RF interference,” shared Steve Marek, Associate Manager of Product Management, at Shure. “If you’re a musician, you want to stay in the creative flow, rather than chasing down problems in your audio setup. No matter what you are recording with the SM4, you need your tracks to be professional quality. If you’re an engineer receiving those tracks, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly they fit into a mix, and the time saved from not having to fix a variety of problems surgically.”
All elements of the SM4 were meticulously designed to streamline the recording experience, bringing forward the details users want while leaving problems behind. This microphone features multiple layers of plosive protection and integrated components. The dual-diaphragm capsule reduces popping noises and keeps sound quality consistent with reduced proximity effect.” With its patent-pending Interference Shielding Technology, users don’t have to worry about unwanted RF interference noise from wireless devices commonly found in at-home recording environments, including smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers.
The SM4’s built-in features make it easy to achieve professional-quality recordings with minimal effort. The controlled low-end response enables EQ adjustments without introducing unwanted elements, making it easier to achieve a big radio voice and full-sounding instrument tracks. The magnetic pop filter helps diffuse air blasts while the shock mount reduces handling noise and rumble. The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern provides a forgiving and large “sweet spot,” enabling vocalists to move freely without compromising sound quality. With the SM4, users can focus on staying creative and spend less time on post-production.
Key Features and Benefits:
· Smooth and Natural Audio Reproduction: Equipped with a brass one-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, the SM4 condenser microphone captures clean, controlled low-end and smooth, detailed highs. The uniform cardioid polar pattern provides strong off-axis rejection of unwanted noise, and the large “sweet spot” reduces proximity effect.
· Patent-Pending Interference Shielding Technology: Block unwanted RF noise from common wireless devices, including smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. The proprietary system features an integrated pop-filter and woven mesh Faraday cage that shields the microphone capsule for clean audio capture.
· Mix-Ready Sound Effortlessly: Internal pop filter enables clean, plosive, and rumble-free recordings for easier post-production work. Compress and EQ to taste without bringing forward unwanted elements that can plague recordings and mixes. With optimised sensitivity, the SM4 works with any interface to achieve professional-quality recordings, no matter the environment.
· Exceptional Flexibility for Vocal and Instrument Recording: The SM4 is optimised to capture a wide range of sound sources, from soft vocals to loud instruments, including drums, guitar amps, and horns, with exceptionally high sound pressure level (SPL) handling capabilities (max SPL of 140dB; equivalent to a jet engine).
· Legendary Durability and Camera-Ready Design: Rugged, all-metal construction from a brand with nearly a century of experience in producing reliable gear for stage and studio. The sleek, low-profile design won’t distract from the performer or environment.
Pricing and Availability:
The SM4 Microphone, now available for £195 / €229 / $199 USD, comes with a swivel-mount microphone clamp and zippered carrying bag. Additionally, a bundle option is available; the Home Recording Kit option, priced at £249 / €289 / $269 USD, includes a shock mount, magnetic pop filter, and premium carrying case.
The Sharp XParty Street Beat (PS-949) is a large speaker that can get several jobs done at once and ideal for street parties and more hence the name and it is still portable too, given that it is not too heavy but it comes ready to move like a suitcase either way which is really handy. This is one of the biggest speakers I have checked out recently and it certainly makes a statement when it comes to sound let me tell you, if like me you have neighbours playing all kinds of rubbish on their tinny sounding speakers this one just comes out and takes over them all.
What is also cool with this is the lighting effects on it so it is no one trick pony and to add to it there is a mic built in and not is only that loud the speaker is loud and comes with some cool presets too which is ideal for the street party or if you fancy doing a bit of dj work and so on.
The speaker is well built and has several inputs and outputs on it too which is covered by a rubber flap on the rear, this is where you plug in the mic and it also has two USB – A ports and a regular 3.5mm socket, you can connect your device that way or via Bluetooth which is how I used it and is probably the best way, not only that you have an app to go with it which matches the top deck which is super cool and makes life much easier if you are in control of the speaker.
The controls are simple to use and laid out nicely on top with a disc type wheel for volume etc,, this gives you the real dj effect which I am not by any stretch but it is fun to use and the controls again straight forward and it is easy to switch between modes and sounds. Also up to is a spot to rest your phone or tablet.
Charging phone
Speaker control deck
The sound is excellent from this speaker and being big gives you big sound, the bass is excellent and the EQ settings are also excellent with a notable difference between them unlike other speakers I have tested asides the sound the light show it emits is also great which takes the boring effect from a speaker with no RGB effects, there was also no lag latency noted on this speaker and it certainly packs a punch when it comes to banging out the tracks and dwarfs most home speakers your neighbours might have.
Finally there is also around 13 hours of battery life so no matter where you go with it you have power on the go and it will last the day and you can charge your mobile phone with it too should you run low on juice.
The App
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Check the full video review below for more and see how it works and most importantly how it sounds, you will take over any party in the home, back garden or street with this one.
Fifty years after its introduction in 1973, Shure has launched a new member of its iconic SM7 family. Designed for podcasters, streamers, and vocalists, the new SM7dB XLR dynamic vocal microphone delivers the extraordinary sound of the SM7B with the addition of a Shure-designed, built-in active preamp* for a simplified audio workflow that removes the need for inline amplification.
More Gain. Simpler Setup. Same Iconic Sound.
The SM7dB provides creators and audio engineers with the exact rugged construction and legendary audio quality of the SM7B, with the addition of a custom Shure-designed built-in preamp with technology licensed from Cloud, tuned by Shure engineers specifically for the SM7dB.
This integrated preamp provides a supplementary +18 or +28 decibels (dB) of clean gain, eliminating the need for a separate preamp, and freeing users from the hiss and noise introduced by many audio interfaces when their preamps are driven to the levels necessary to provide enough gain for the SM7B.
Ideal for users of all experience levels, the SM7dB’s additional gain brings the microphone’s sensitivity up to a level optimised for typical audio interfaces. This guarantees users enough gain on hand for their audio to be heard with maximum clarity in a recording, on a broadcast, or while streaming, regardless of their audio interface. For situations not requiring additional gain, users can simply set the integrated preamp to “bypass” to revert to original SM7B performance.
Delivering the smooth and controlled sound of the SM7B, the SM7dB’s wide-range frequency response is perfectly suited to pristinely capture singing, spoken word, and podcasting, as well as loud sound sources, including drums, loud vocals, and amplifiers. Sporting the same EQ controls as the SM7B, the SM7dB’s bass roll-off and presence boost can be applied to best fit the sound source and recording environment.
A dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, the SM7dB is designed to reject off-axis audio, making certain your voice is heard clearly, without distractions. The microphone’s air suspension shock isolation technology and pop filter eliminate unwanted noises and breathiness, while advanced electromagnetic shielding defeats hum from computer monitors and other audio equipment.
“Over the last 50 years, the SM7 microphone family has been adopted by the world’s best recording and broadcast studios, entertainers, artists, and creators,” said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing & Product Management at Shure. ““The SM7dB removes the need to buy an additional preamp, making it even easier to achieve the remarkable Shure sound that has come to define the last five decades of audio.”
Now, users can unlock the superior audio of the Shure SM7 microphone line without requiring the purchase of a secondary inline preamp, streamlining the setup necessary to achieve professional-grade recordings at a more effective price.
Pricing and Availability
The SM7dB is available today in a sleek, black-on-black finish at Shure.com and at select retailers starting at £519 / 599€.
Over 500 students from 17 primary schools from the Mid-West region took part in the regional final of the Dell VEX Robotics Competition recently. Hosted by Dell Technologies in conjunction with Mary Immaculate College (MIC), the regional final saw students take part in a game-based engineering challenge to design, code and build robots.
Five schools from the Mid-West took home awards from the final, which was held at the Dell Limerick campus in Raheen. Barryroe National School in County Cork and Thomond Primary School in County Limerick both won the Teamwork Champion Award, with Barryroe also winning the Excellence Award. Limerick’s Nicker National School were presented with the Judges Award, while the Gaelic Gladiators team from Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan in Nenagh, County Tipperarywon both the Design Award and the Robot Skills Champion awards.
The robotics challenge begins in the classroom each year, with school children across the Mid-West working with their teacher from September to January to design, build and programme a robot. Teams from Dell and MIC volunteer their time to support the children and teachers as they prepare for the competition and also organise practice sessions. Classes can also opt to compete in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology (STEM) project, the theme of which this year was Mathematics in Nature. The students record and submit a video on their STEM projects to a panel of industry and education experts.
Since its introduction in 2014, the Dell VEX Robotics Competition has expanded nationwide with a growing number of young people inspired to engage in STEM at the earliest opportunity. The winners of the regional competition will take part in the national finals of the Dell VEX Robotics Competition on the 22nd and 23rd February at Munster Technological University in Cork. Almost 50 employees from Dell & MIC were involved in this year’s Mid-West final event.
According to Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at MIC:“We are delighted to be working with Dell Technologies again this year, bringing robotics to primary schools around the Mid-West region. The Dell VEX Robotics programme, run in partnership with MIC in the Mid-West, is an example of a unique collaboration between schools, industry and higher education. This involves a process of collaborative design and delivery between mentors from industry and experts in the field of STEM education from MIC, reinforcing what is being taught in the curriculum and extending learning beyond the curriculum into real world contexts.”
Commenting on the competition, Sean O’Reilly, EMEA Vice President of Logistics and Limerick Site Leader for Dell Technologies, said: “STEM learning is central to inspiring the next generation of developers and engineers whose skills will help shape our future as an innovation island. That is why our team in Limerick once again came together with Mary Immaculate College to host primary schools across the Mid-West for the Dell VEX Robotics regional competition. It is a fun way for us to engage young people in technology and foster their creativity. We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Mary Immaculate College as we expand the competition in the region. Well done to all the students and teachers who put on a powerful demonstration of their problem solving and computational skills during the recent regional final at our campus in Limerick.”
Students learn many technical skills like robotics, engineering, design, programming and coding. The teams also fundraise for robot parts, building skills and knowledge in areas such as teamwork, marketing and financial planning. This year the programme encouraged the students to look more closely at the world around them through the ‘Mathematics in Nature’ STEM project, leading students to explore applications including bees and the hexagonal shapes of hives and the honeycomb; the Fibonacci sequence in nature; fingerprints; and one team who investigated how Pythagoras’ Theorem helped them access a space in their attic.
Patricia O’Sullivan, Enterprise & Community Engagement Manager at MIC congratulated all the schools involved, saying: “We are so proud of all the schools here today. We began working with all these teachers and children from schools around the Mid-West Region in September 2022. It is great to see the results of all their hard work during such an exciting day here in Dell for the regional finals.”
Dell and MIC have been collaborating on the Dell VEX Robotics Competition for 5 years and were awarded The Teaching Council’s Collaboration Award in 2019. The project was chosen by the Council as an example of the transformative role that teachers play in our communities and society through collaboration.
MIC supports teachers integrate the programme into the curriculum and also offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for teachers in the Dell VEX Robotics Competition, which are run in conjunction with staff from Dell.
MIC works with Dell on many projects and Dell has also been a strong advocate and supporter of its new CRAFT Maker Space which is due to open in March 2023.
To find out more about the Dell VEX Robotics Competition or to register for next year’s programme visit www.stemcraft.mic.ul.ie
