SAMS news room

Scientists in Oban who use robotics to monitor the marine environment have used their expertise to develop a table-top game based on real-world research.

Drones and Droids has been developed by researchers from the Scientific Robotics Academy, operated by environmental charity SAMS.

SAMS has launched a Crowdfunder to raise £16,000 to fund the first production run of the game, which can be used as a science outreach tool for STEM and afterschool clubs, as well as a creative, fun and rewarding challenge for table-top gamers.

Drones and Droids is the brainchild of SAMS robotics engineer Dr Phil Peterson, who initially developed the game as a teaching aid for school visits. However, it caught the attention of gamers, who encouraged Phil to make it available to play more widely.

Phil said: “I often visit schools to inspire them about practical science and engineering, showing them that they don’t need to leave Argyll for the central belt to find rewarding work in this field.

“My team started using role playing and then homemade flash cards to get students thinking about how robots could tackle different science missions.

“The game has changed a lot in the last year after playtesting our prototype with our local tabletop group, RookHart games. Thanks to a lot of creative thinking and collaboration, it’s evolved into a proper strategy game, which is much more engaging. I also canvassed my colleagues for stories and information on the ocean as seen through the eyes of real marine scientists.

“It’s simple enough to draw in people of any age, but the rules reflect the strengths and limitations of our robots, and the strategies you need to use to win would serve you well on a real mission.”

The Crowdfunder aims to cover the production costs to bring the game to life and share it with the world. All profits from sales of the game will be used to fund the real marine robots developed and deployed by SAMS.

Julie Platt, Head of Fundraising at SAMS, said: “Our Crowdfunder is only live until for another couple of months and we have an ambitious target to reach, so any support is gratefully received.

“Supporters can make a small donation, or pledge a larger sum in exchange for a fantastic reward, such as a special edition copy of Drones and Droids or even a chance to visit the lab and meet the team behind the game.

“This is a great opportunity to show support for the creativity that is born out of science and to introduce marine robotics to a much broader audience.”

Thanks to National Lottery players, Creative Scotland via their Crowdmatch initiative will be matching donations £1 for £1 up to £250 for a limited amount of time – boosting the impact of any pledges made!

Visit the Crowdfunding page here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/drones-and-droids