Small remote-controlled unmanned air systems, which have been developed in Wales, are to be used in a research programme at the 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 and will be used in a research programme by MIT’s SENSEable City Lab to collect water samples for analysis. Testing water quality has historically been completed manually using a boat.
The linkup between BCB International and MIT came through the Welsh Government’s membership of MIT’s International Liaison Programme, which enables companies in Wales to attend a series of conferences on technology, innovation and ICT.
BCB International 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.
Barry Davies BEM, robotics director at 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.”
The BCB systems are made from superlight and super strong carbon fibre, weighing just 430 grams 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 lifesaving equipment that would help survivors prior to the arrival of emergency services.
BCB International 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.
“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.”
BCB is an established designer and manufacturer of survival and protective equipment supplying the MoD and defence organisations worldwide. One of its flagships 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.
BCB International recently expanded its operations and opened a sister company, BCB Adventure, which sells outdoor leisure equipment to the consumer market. For more information about BCB Adventure, click here.
The post Welsh innovation used by MIT research project appeared first on Wales World Wide.