AI and Robotics Hackathon: Computer Science Students Win Top Prize at Leeds Digital Festival 2026
09 October 2026On Monday 28 September, 16 Greenhead College Computer Science students took part in the AI Agents and Robotics Hackathon at Leeds Digital Festival 2026, hosted by Leeds Trinity University and supported by industry partners including UST and OhBot.
Working in teams of four, our students developed AI agents powered by large language models (LLMs) and brought their ideas to life using OhBot’s expressive face and voice technology. Using Python, the OhBot API and industry-provided AI service credits, each team created a functioning prototype demonstrating effective, useful and responsible human-robot interaction.
The one-day hackathon included challenge briefings, idea generation, programming, testing, industry mentoring and final presentations before judging.
Developing Real-World AI Solutions
The challenge required teams to create an innovative solution that clearly improved a human interaction while demonstrating responsible use of AI. Participants gained valuable experience in:
- Robotics and embodied AI
- Python development and rapid prototyping
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Responsible innovation
- Testing and evaluating AI solutions
- Presenting and demonstrating a working concept
Throughout the six-hour development period, students worked tirelessly to transform their ideas into fully functioning prototypes. Despite the inevitable technical challenges that come with learning a new platform, every team showed resilience, creativity and impressive problem-solving skills.
Competing against university undergraduate teams added an extra level of challenge, with Greenhead students going head-to-head against participants with several more years of experience. Nevertheless, our students rose to the occasion and showcased their ability to innovate under pressure.
The Greenhead Teams
Team 1
Luke, Harry, Oliver and Liam
Idea: Dementia Support Robot
The team designed a robot to support people living with dementia by providing medication reminders, discouraging wandering during the night and offering companionship through conversation to help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Team 2
Anam, Daniel, Abdullah and Eesaa
Idea: AI Study Buddy
This team created an interactive study companion that could respond to spoken questions in real time, providing useful information and engaging feedback through the OhBot platform.
Team 3
Boden, Ben, Eeshan and Matthew
Idea: Interview and Behaviour Analysis Robot
The team’s robot was designed to analyse movement, facial expressions and speech patterns during interviews. Using a camera module and behavioural indicators, the robot could identify and highlight potential areas of concern for further investigation.
Team 4
Hitaishi, Soumil, Mohann and Saniyah
Idea: Visual Assistance Robot
This robot was developed to support people with visual impairments by helping to describe and interpret their surroundings.
A Winning Performance
With a total prize fund of £1,000 available, competition throughout the day was fierce. Following the presentations and judging process, the panel selected Team 3, ‘Wahid for Speed’, as the overall winners.
Their innovative Interview and Behaviour Analysis Robot impressed the judges and secured the team’s place at the top of the leaderboard, earning them the £1,000 grand prize. Congratulations to Boden, Ben, Eeshan and Matthew on this outstanding achievement.
The success of all four teams reflects the talent, creativity and determination of Greenhead’s Computer Science students and highlights the exciting opportunities available through Enrichment activities and industry engagement.
