Small remote-controlled unmanned air systems developed in Wales are to be used in a research programme by the world renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The remote controlled systems – developed by Cardiff based BCB International can land on water with a ‘fly and dip’ system – will be used in a research programme by MIT’s SENSEable City Lab to collect water samples for analysis.
Testing the water quality is currently done manually using boats which is time consuming and has to take into account traffic on the waterway.
The link up between BCB and MIT came through the Welsh Government’s membership of MIT’s International Liaison Programme which enables companies in Wales attend a series of conferences on technology, innovation and ICT.
BCB was one of the businesses on the Welsh Government’s April mission to MIT when discussions were initiated with the SENSEable City Lab which is developing new uses for unmanned systems.
The BCB systems are made from superlight and super strong carbon fibre, weighing just 430 grammes and measuring a metre across.
They were originally developed to carry canisters containing essential survival equipment that could be dropped in the ocean to help survivors of shipping disasters. The kits contain life saving equipment and other vital equipment that would help survivors prior to the arrival of emergency services.
BCB has had three systems developed specifically for the SENSEable City Lab research group which are now en route to Boston.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:” This is an excellent result and I am delighted to hear that BCB International is forging links with one of the world’s top technology institutions.
“BCB is a highly innovative company whose expertise has been recognised by winning two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise as well as various technology and innovation awards. It’s great to hear that technology developed in Wales is being used for research undertaken by MIT which certainly helps put Wales on the international map.”
Barry Davies BEM, Robotics Director with BCB International, said:” BCB prides itself on its own R&D programme and continually reinvests profits into research and this is an amazing opportunity to be involved with such a prestigious institution.
“The unmanned system we have designed and developed – which was built by a Formula 1 racing car manufacturer – is the only one we know of that can land on water which was what interested SENSEable City Lab.
“Our vision of the future is to design and develop in Wales a range of unmanned systems with the support of the Welsh Government and this link opens up a raft of exciting potential opportunities and I hope it marks the start of a long term relationship with MIT.”
BCB is an established designer and manufacturer of survival and protective equipment supplying the MoD and defence organisations worldwide. Its equipment helps people operate and survive in some of the world’s harshest environments.
One of its most highly publicised recent products are the Blast Boxer shorts used by many Armed Forces to protect them from blast and fragment injuries to the groin caused by roadside bombs better known as IEDS.