Audiences are in for a dazzling spectacle this October as Birmingham Open Media (BOM) unleashes the Water Bots - a mesmerising fleet of illuminated swimming sculptures, across the canals of Birmingham and the Black Country. The groundbreaking project is a fusion of cutting-edge art and engineering technology, inspired by the region’s industrial heritage and created by Australian artist Michael Candy.

The Water Bots are a dynamic trio of robotic sculptures which audiences can interact with as they move through the region’s historic waterways, starting with a debut outing during Birmingham Tech Week. Audiences can see the Water Bots on Frontiers Day (Wednesday October 22nd at 5pm) as they perform along Sherbourne Wharf opposite the ICC and Pitcher and Piano bar. They will then appear at Warren’s Hall Nature Reserve in Dudley (25 & 26 October), where families will be able to play with the Water Bots and take part in creative engineering activities with local engineers.

Louise Latter, BOM’s Head of Programme, said: “We can’t wait to showcase the trio of beautiful and unique Water Bots that Michael Candy has created which are unlike anything you will have ever seen on the canals! We’re also excited to see if we can inspire the next generation of creative engineers through our Water Bots engagement events in Dudley and we welcome families from across the region and beyond to come and get involved!”

Water Bots is funded by Arts Council England, the Royal Academy of Engineering and West Midlands Combined Authority, and supported by the Canal & River Trust.

BOM (Birmingham Open Media) is an immersive arts organisation, empowering communities through innovation with immersive technology and inclusive learning programmes.

Find out more @BOMLab or bom.org.uk/water-bots