Liz's Blog

It may have come to prominence in the gaming industry & creative industry sector, but Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are now also an important part of manufacturing and assembly processes; enabling efficiencies in product design processes, in remote collaboration and in workforce training.

This was exemplified by the ‘Augmented Reality and Wearables Technology Marketplace’ event from InnovateUK and KTN being hosted at Rolls-Royce, in Bristol this week.  This well attended event, was full of people from industry, from academia and included the forerunners in wearable and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Tech.

Paul Stein, Rolls-Royce Director of Research and Technology opened the event with insights about how Rolls-Royce is utilising Augmented/ Virtual Reality in various parts of its business. For example, in its design and manufacture of small modular reactors, the technology enables engineers to visualise a component before they actually manufacture it.  It also provides a virtual illustration of how specific parts of a reactor can be accessed, or how it can be serviced and maintained.

Brian Waterfield. Virtual Reality and High-end Visualisation Technical Lead provided an outline of how Jaguar Land-Rover have used Virtual Reality to assess different design concepts in the creation of the new Evoke Land-Rover. He talked about the concept of the ‘Digital Twin’ where there is a virtual factory as well as an actual factory; where a change in one assembly-line environment will make the same change in its ‘twin’ environment.

Together with some excellent key-note talks, there was also an exhibitor space, where delegates could try out the technology from the different companies who were there.  Ron Edwards, MD of Serious Games International showed how the Coventry-based company is helping blue-light organisations learn about, and optimise, their operation in hazardous environments using their ARVR technology. Springer tried out their headset, virtually transporting us into a helicopter, flying around an oil ring.  The graphics were stunning and the demo showed how real this experience feels to the user. The applications to industry were easy to understand.

The team at mo-sys showed their StarTracker VR in action.  StarTracker sensors attach to any VR headset and track its full motion in real-time, by tracking small stickers (stars) randomly stuck to the ceiling. On a large TV screen, the audience saw what the headset-wearer was seeing in front of him  – a working engine in full detail. It was fascinating watching him, walking around in empty space with his headset on, but in his virtual world, he was walking around the engine.  This was another great example of how the technology can be used for training and design purposes in the manufacturing world.

Finally, we had a peek in the Soluis walk-in immersive black dome.  There is no need to wear a headset for this technology, as the whole dome becomes an interactive portal.  This dome technology has been used for a variety of projects from enabling architects to view their installation designs at the British Museum to providing training for Astra Zeneca.

 The event was very successful in showcasing the important role that this technology is already playing in manufacturing and construction in UK.  Stephen Browning,  Head of Digital Economy at InnovateUK, said that

‘this technology has the potential to transform many areas of the UK economy’

InnovateUK want to help to get this technology into every part of the UK economy.  Browning said:

On Wednesday (21 September), Southampton University Science Park played host to the Nucleus Expo, which was officially opened by Sir Vince Cable.  In his opening talk, he discussed how to make an ecosystem that enables innovation to flourish.  Cable outlined how this required space, an IP regime to protect innovators, a proper tax system and a good link between isolated entrepreneurs, Universities and the market.  He said that these elements were coming together at the Science Park, and if we got it right for the UK as a whole, then this would position us as a world-leader in innovation. Cable congratulated Southampton Science Park in terms of the very great companies that were flourishing here.

Evidence of the Innovation Ecosystem was everywhere at this one-day event.  The expo was crammed full of start-up and growth companies, working in the MedTech field, in cyber, in defence and aerospace; and in marine.  Throughout the day, companies were giving talks about various aspects of business start-up and funding, as well as the innovations that are leading the way in their respective markets.

 Springer spent the day at the event, listening to may of the talks and interacting with many of the businesses in the Expo, receiving demos of their ground-breaking products.  

 MedTech was very well represented at the event.  We received a demo of the lifelight product by the company, XIM. Simply by looking at a computer screen, the camera on the computer was able to detect the vital signs on our face by observing tiny changes in skin colour.  By using the advanced technology behind the product, the system could tell what our pulse was, our blood pressure and many other parameters.  The product provides early warning of critical health events for older patients to nursing staff and carers. The possible uses of this technology are  very far reaching, and will ultimately result in less deaths and incidents, and enable us to cope with the increasing demand for services from the ageing population.

A talk by David Deakin of BluPoint outlined how their platform solution provides community access to digital materials on any phone connected to their solar-powered, pop-up internet.  Their product enables vital information and services to be transmitted to offline remote communities.  Deakin outlined how their services can help medical care staff in those locations to carry out health assessments, to screen for chronic diseases and to better manage their supply chains.  He talked about how this is already being used in Sierra Leone and in other African Countries.  BluPoint aims to improve the lives of 20m people in 20,000 communities by 2020 and looks well on the way to achieving this ambition.

Also displaying their latest innovations were Merck.  They showcased the work that they have been doing in the development of liquid crystals for displays.  We had the chance to pick up and bend a display, which looked like a super-thin iPhone display on a bangle – enabling you to surf the internet on your wrist! The potential uses for this technology are gigantic!

During the day, many talks were about how different companies had developed their propositions and were still driving forward their innovation.   Jim Beacher provided a very interesting discussion about how the company CoolLED had grown, including how they overcame some of their growth barriers along the way. He talked about how they realised that they had to focus on understanding their market, making tough investment decisions and ensuring that they recruit the best talent.

Dale Lane from IBM gave an excellent talk about the latest developments in the cognitive era in terms of IBM Watson.  He talked about how IBM have been working with doctors and oncologists to see how Watson’s deep thinking can be used to help in making assessments and giving diagnoses to patients.  The application of this sort of technology, which has the ability to process and make connections with vast amounts of data, will be able to assist Medcare in the future, particularly in Cancer Care.

 The close of the day saw discussion about the sorts of funding available to entrepreneurs.  Vince Cable at the start of the day had said that he felt that we have not yet got this quite right in UK.  However, the discussion at the close of the day from organisations such a Set-Squared, CrowdCube, Department for Trade and Industry and Ellipson outlined that there are many different routes for gaining funding for entrepreneurs; and that Brexit may not necessarily be the dark cloud on the horizon that many think it to be.

All in all – the Nucleus Expo was a fantastic event.  It was exciting to see the numbers of businesses there,  showing their first class innovations.  This illustrates just how successful Southampton is an innovation hub in UK.

This week (20 September 16) Springer went along to the Big Green Business Event at the Aegas Bowl in Southampton.  The top green businesses in the area welcomed people to their stands, displaying the latest innovations in green technology.; from electric cars, to saving energy to ground-breaking solutions to extract energy from waste.  It was a great day and a great event to engage with people who truly believe about respecting our environment.

There were some really good speakers at the event too – telling us about how we can build a sustainable economy; to how cloud giants like Google, are not just thinking about security and accessibility, but about how to save energy for themselves and their clients. 

We started off with a visit to the 918 Coffee Company, who were also showcasing their ‘end of life coffee solution (Coffee-Eco System).  This scheme allows companies, big and small, to get their used coffee, coffee bags and coffee cups collected by the partners in the scheme, and taken away to be recycled.    Also, using their eco-roasting technology, 918 coffee are harnessing the energy in waste coffee grounds to produce the heat required for roasting the coffee beans. This closed energy system also reduces the Co2 emissions normally associated with coffee roasting.  A great innovation and delicious coffee too!

There were many companies showing how their products were environmentally safer, in terms of reducing or eliminating waste in their use.  Also, schemes were  promoting how businesses can switch their energy providers to those using renewables. We had a intertesing conversation with Clean Energy UK how are helping businesses to switch suppliers with the results of reducing their carbon footprints and saving money at the same time.

The best talk of the day was by Martin Baxter, Chief Policy Advisor of IEMA (Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment). Martin outlined how the growth in population increased the demand for food, water, energy and materials, which in turn puts massive pressure on environmental and social resources.   He talked about how we need to develop sustainable communities through collaboration, enhanced knowledge and developing skills and capabilities in businesses.  He provided some superb examples of how companies like Bulmers and Walkers were doing just that, and are making their products in ways that take into account the impact of our changing climate, and the need to reduce or resue waste.  He said that ‘every single product design needs to be rethought with an eye to the future’.  It was great to see companies are already doing this, and doing it successfully.

Together with businesses at the event, there were also many environmental organisations showcasing what they do.  One brilliant initiative  is ‘Litter Free Coast and Sea’.  They talked to use about their Business Awards, which encourage businesses in the region to explore simple measures that they can take to help create good local beaches.  Good beaches, in turn, are good for business.  Also, with one of their business awards, it will show off your environmental credentials to your customers. They are absolutely right when they say the every business can made a difference!!

We spent a lot of time at the event, networking and learning about how we, as a local SME, can make a difference.  There were lots of options for us to consider, which we are certainly now thinking about.   

The last word goes to something that was published in the UK Environmental Accounts 2016 (Presented in the talk by Martin Baxter), which said:

I am delighted to announce that Springer Strategic Marketing Ltd has been selected to provide online and offline marketing services to the University of Southampton for a 12 month period. 

Yesterday we attended the Energy Efficiency Exhibition incorporating the Renewables Road show at Event City in Manchester (http://energyefficiencyexhibitions.co.uk).  The show featured exhibitors and speakers at the front of the wave in energy efficient solutions.  Their new products and services utilise greener energy and overall reduce energy costs to businesses and the consumer. 

Developments in Government legislation such as ECO, Green Deal and the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, plus the rise in the energy costs means that the demand for greener and cheaper energy is now a real need in UK.  The companies exhibiting at the show are therefore the true innovators in the industry and the market leaders.

At the show we had the opportunity to speak to a diverse range of companies, from those providing smart energy monitoring solutions, and high efficiency boilers and pumps, to those providing training and accreditation in renewable energy. There was a true buzz in the air at the show, with companies very positive about the future. 

Our consultants spent the last couple of days at the PSP Southampton Boat Show.  Although the climate outside was not too hot - that can't be said of the economic climate within the show.  Many of the exhibitors that we spoke to said that they were surprised by the large amount of sales they had done in only the first four days of the show; with many already getting low on the stock that they had brought with them.  They said that the contrast between business this year and last year was extreme, and very pleasing!

The pick-up in business is no doubt due to the signs in recovery of consumer confidence in the UK economy and the fabulous summer we have just had, making for great sailing in UK waters.  Also, it has to be down to some great product innovations being showcased at the event - from devices to keep your iPad and iPhone dry, to new charting and navigation systems, to smarter engines and boats themselves. 

We went to the show to network with local marine businesses, talking about how we could help them in building their future strategies and how to improve their offline and online marketing activities to grow their market share.  We came away having made some great new contacts and exciting collaborations for the future.

On a gusty September day, we were happy to warm up with some fish and chips, and later in the day to top up our energy levels with a delicious banoffee Belgium waffle (both highly recommended)!!

Shiver me Timbers: Today and tomorrow our consultants from Springer Strategic Marketing Ltd are at the PSP Southampton Boat show. 

It is really exciting to live on the South Coast, one of the hot spots in UK for the marine industry.  Businesses promoting themselves at the show include leisure marine, marine equipment, sail makers, maritime services and ship building and repair companies. There are 40+ companies exhibiting, located within 20 miles of our own company HQ - all of which have fantastic products and services!!

SpringerUK will be networking throughout the event, with an objective to build new collaborations with local businesses in the sector, and extend our strategy and marketing services to new clients. We are also hoping to take to the water on one of the many excellent offers available at the show!

If you are at the show and would like to talk to a consultant, then drop up a line at [email protected] or send us a tweet at @springerukliz.  We would love to meet you!!

We invest a lot of time in ensuring that our consultants have the most up-to-date insights and foresights in the sectors in which our clients operate.  One of our main sectors is the Energy sector, and tomorrow we will be at the Renewables Event at the NEC, Birmingham (www.threnewablesevent.com).

Through understanding the legislative and fiscal framework that shapes the role of renewables in the energy big picture, we can help you to start-up and grow your business.  Our own contacts in the sector can become your own contacts. Through our collection of insights into what the leading companies in the sector are doing, we can assess your competition and devise strategies to maintain or grow your market lead.

This event explores the future of renewables in the energy mix; where we intend to meet with policy makers, leading academics and leading energy management professionals. We will do the work to gain the insights and trends so that we can help you build robust, leading strategies to grow your business.