Machine-learning maintenance lands graduate IMechE prize

Recent Glasgow Caledonian University graduate Ruaridh McNair has won an IMechE Project Award.

On the recommendation of a university head of department, the award is given to a final-year undergraduate student who completes an outstanding research, development or design project in mechanical engineering. Ruaridh’s prize will include a certificate and medal.

Ruaridh, who studied BEng Mechanical Systems, won the award for his project which looks at new approaches within the field of prescriptive maintenance. Prescriptive maintenance is an evolution of existing maintenance methods and uses machine-learning algorithms to recommend settings on how to run a machine to minimise maintenance.

He said: “I'm incredibly grateful to the IMechE for this award, and especially grateful to my supervisor Dr Amit Jain.

“I learned a great deal while writing my thesis. The current explosion of machine-learning technology is transforming every field in STEM, maintenance being no exception. The knowledge I gained about this field has already helped me accelerate my career as a technical engineer within industry, allowing me to interact with experts in the field.”