Rail Rover is proud to announce that the innovative modular railway inspection vehicle has been officially selected for display at SHAPE 2026, the annual NSW HSC showcase celebrating outstanding student projects across Design & Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles & Design.
SHAPE highlights some of the most creative and technically impressive major works from the HSC, and this year’s exhibition will take place at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Building 1 (UTS Tower), located at 1–15 Broadway in Ultimo. The exhibition will be hosted in the foyer of the UTS Tower and will run from 16 March to 11 April 2026.
A Platform for Innovation and Heritage Rail Preservation
The Rail Rover was developed to support volunteer‑run heritage railways by providing a practical, portable, and cost‑effective solution for track inspection. Its modular design allows volunteers to transport, assemble, and operate the vehicle with ease, making routine track assessment more accessible and efficient.
Being selected for SHAPE places the Rail Rover among the top works produced by students across New South Wales. The exhibition, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, showcases 56 graduating students whose projects demonstrate excellence in design ingenuity and technical execution.
Exhibition Details
- Event: SHAPE 2026 – NSW HSC Showcase
- Location: UTS Tower Foyer, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
- Dates: 16 March – 11 April 2026
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:30am–3:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am–1:00pm
- Sunday: Closed
- Cost: Free and open to the public
[nsw.gov.au]
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore outstanding examples of student innovation, including engineering, product design, textiles, and industrial technology projects. The Rail Rover will be on public display throughout the exhibition period, giving attendees a close look at a working solution designed to support heritage railway preservation efforts.
A Proud Achievement
Selection for SHAPE is a significant honour, representing the highest level of recognition for an HSC major project. The Rail Rover’s inclusion underscores its thoughtful engineering, practical real‑world impact, and contribution to community‑based heritage operations.
I look forward to sharing the Rail Rover with the public, educators, industry professionals, and fellow innovators at the SHAPE exhibition.
If you plan to visit, be sure to explore the full range of projects on display and witness the creativity and technical excellence emerging from the next generation of designers and technologists.
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