POPULAR science fiction films like Blade Runner and I, Robot moved a step closer for Worcestershire students who were drawn into the world of robotics.

The Sixth Formers from across the county were introduced to cybernetics - computing, robots and the technology of the future - at a University College Worcester conference.

Professor of cybernetics Kevin Warwick, who hit the headlines after wiring his own nervous system to a computer, was guest speaker at the extraordinary event.

He spoke to 16, 17 and 18-year-olds from Worcester Sixth Form College, Pershore High School, Dyson Perrins and The Chase schools, in Malvern, and Prince Henry's High, in Evesham.

Prof Warwick's talk, Cyborgs and Implants, outlined the massive potential of current and future technology in a range of areas, such as disease prevention and control.

It also highlighted experiences of his own implant, which was wired into the nerves of his left arm for three months.

The chip allowed him to turn on household appliances, control an electric wheelchair and move a robotic hand in his laboratory in England, from a New York conference - all through brainwaves, via the internet.

"It was great to speak with the students, to discuss communication and intelligence applications in the future, and to visit the University College," he said.

The event was organised by the local education authority, together with the college's business and information technology lecturer, Dr Colin Price.

"Hopefully these talks, coupled with the tour of UCW, will have inspired students on towards Higher Education and maybe to become the scientists of the future," said Dr Price, who specialises in robotics.

The day was aimed at introducing teenagers to the ground-breaking research, promoting higher education opportunities and to "whet their appetite" for studying sciences.