While writing my application I have been casting my mind back to problems that I encountered while trying to do my dissertation.
One problem I encountered happened to be human.
I went to the workshop in the department and asked the technician for help. I needed feet for a robot and I wanted to get his opinion on what they should look like and how I should make them. Now bearing in mind that the robot I had was about a foot tall had 2 or 3 1kg weights as a counterbalance and about half a foot wide, I thought he would suggest 2 rather large feet, like a duck. I wanted I pliable material so the movement would be as natural as possible.
What he suggested and indeed gave me was 2 1 inch by hald an ince pieces of metal, which he suggested I attach sideways so the robot stood on the edge (which was about 2-3mm thick).
Personally I think he wanted to hurry me out of there as quickly as possible. He didn't listen to what I wanted, didn't really think about it and didn't let me do the work myself. As a concequence I left rather upset and arranged to go home almost immediately, to get help from my dad, a qualified Technology teacher!!
There were rumours abound in the department that this technician was rather sexist and after that incident I was inclined to agree with the rumours 
