Alan’s path into engineering began with a spark of childhood wonder. One of his earliest memories is watching Star Wars: A New Hope and seeing Luke Skywalker repair R2‑D2. The idea of being skilled enough to fix a robot without even checking a manual stayed with him from that moment on. This curiosity only grew during the summers he spent working in his father’s auto‑electrical garage, where he became familiar with the practical side of engineering through batteries, alternators and starters. At school, physics became his favourite subject and electronics captured his imagination, leading him naturally toward a B.Eng (Tech) in electronic engineering.
“My favourite subject in school was physics, and my favourite topic was electronics, so applying for electronic engineering felt like a natural step.”
After graduating, Alan began his career in a data storage technology company. What started as hands-on work assembling and testing systems soon developed into roles in manufacturing engineering and then project engineering. He found himself immersed in line design, time and motion studies and later the rollout of new products. It was an exciting time to be in the industry; the internet was emerging, data storage was booming and the company grew from a 30-person startup to a global organisation.
His next chapter took him into the world of broadcast video systems, working with a company whose technology was used by customers such as Sky, the BBC and even NASA. He supported systems used for live broadcasting and major global events, including infrastructure for the 2012 Olympics. The shift from analogue to digital video and the growing influence of internet driven broadcasting gave him a front row seat to major technological change.
But it was robotics that truly drew him in. Encouraged by his children, who told him to “follow what you love”, Alan began exploring opportunities in the field. That passion led him to companies like Eiratech, a robotics company designing mobile robots and automated material handling systems like those used in large fulfilment centres. This role ignited his deeper interest in robotics design and automation, eventually paving the way for current role advising on Intralogistics & Materials Handling with Jacobs Engineering.
Connecting with the IET Robotics and Mechatronics Technical Network (TN)
Alan has been an IET member since 2006, but his volunteering journey began in 2020. While working in robotics, he attended several webinars hosted by the Robotics and Mechatronics TN (sector) and was impressed by the quality and expertise on display. Wanting to get involved, he reached out with a proposal to organise a new webinar series featuring well known robotics companies such as ABB, KUKA and Universal Robots. That first step marked the beginning of his role on the TN Committee.
What volunteering looks like behind the scenes
Today, Alan volunteers alongside a team of engineers who each contribute to the TN’s activities. A typical commitment involves organising one event per year, attending monthly committee meetings and sharing occasional posts on LinkedIn, EngX or X. With a team of around ten volunteers, the workload stays balanced and no one person shoulders too much. Alan values this fairness, describing the group’s working style as agile and collaborative. Members champion events from start to finish, supported by IET Community Managers who ensure volunteers never take on more than they can manage.
Alan particularly appreciates how accessible the network is to volunteers at all stages of their career. Early career engineers sit alongside experienced professionals, learning from them directly through meetings, events and Q&A sessions with guest speakers. That mix of voices, in his view, strengthens the TN and broadens its reach.
The impact of volunteering
Volunteering with the IET has expanded Alan’s professional network in ways he didn’t expect. He found that people recognised the IET name and were always willing to chat, helping him build connections across industries he might never have accessed otherwise. The international scale of the TN continues to inspire him; one webinar attracted attendees from thirty different countries, and he regularly collaborates with volunteers from across Europe, Asia and Africa. That shared sense of global purpose is what keeps him motivated to continue giving his time.
What Alan enjoys outside work and volunteering
Outside of his professional life, Alan is never far from a hands-on project. Each year, he builds something new, often a robotics or electronics creation. Previous builds include mobile robots running on Robot Operating System (ROS) and a fully functional miniature observatory style telescope powered by a Raspberry Pi. This year’s project is a 3D printed robotic arm from LeRobot, now part of Hugging Face. The arm uses computer vision and machine learning tools to learn tasks like picking up objects and placing them accurately.
“Every year I try to make something — a robot, a telescope, something that helps me learn.”
Alan sees these projects as a way to keep experimenting and stay connected to the cutting edge of robotics. He also enjoys the online maker communities that support these projects, including Discord groups where creators share tips, troubleshoot issues and exchange ideas.
Alan embodies the curiosity, creativity and collaboration that sit at the heart of robotics and mechatronics. By sharing his knowledge and helping shape the Robotics & Mechatronics Technical Network, he continues to support innovation, connection and learning across the IET community.
If reading Alan’s story has inspired you, why not explore the many ways you can get involved with the IET or join a Technical Network?
Find out more about volunteering on our website, or email volunteer@theiet.org for more information.