Approaching LCR 4.0
Real Space took inspiration from existing Virtual Reality (VR) systems combined with a classic sunglass design as the product will be an optical device not a digital device. The challenge for Real Space was advancing this concept without the aid of wider resources in terms of both equipment and expertise.
The facilities and support offered by the LCR 4.0 programme therefore attracted Real Space to connect with the project and to take up hot desking within Sensor City.
Partner Support
LCR 4.0 offered the chance for Sensor City to develop a design and aesthetic for Real Space’s working concept that could lead to a ‘market ready’ design for a variety of possible industries.
The Sensor City team also considered user interaction in this process, to make the design both visually appealing and functional in its intended use cases. The design is also planned to be tested and calibrated in Sensor City’s optics lab later in the development process.
Results
By both working with LCR 4.0 and directly within Sensor City, Real Space has benefited from their lessons-learned approach to academic/industrial collaboration and the latest technology within the Sensor City labs.
The balance of approachability, experience and integrity within the LCR 4.0 team has improved efficiencies with Real Space’s subcontractors to achieve better outcomes. The professional level of
design skills offered by LCR 4.0 has provided Real Space with a number of CADs which have inspired their own team and will be a valuable asset for them to leverage additional funding.
Working into the Future
The project will provide clarity of a formal design process alongside the creation of an exterior design and aesthetic for the product. With a design aesthetic in place, Real Space now plan to finalise three different exterior designs (medical, military and general use) and create working models for further the testing and development.
These demonstrable prototypes will assist with marketing the technology to potential customers and investors in varied sectors.
As a day one tenant of Sensor City, I was already inspired by the investment in facilities and the lessons learned approach to academic/industrial collaboration.
The skillset within LCR4.0 Sensor City team is exemplary, with professional-level design helping us get some CADs to inspire our own team, and will be a valuable asset to leverage additional funding. Of course, the CAD is just the start of it.
Here, we can 3D print the model in over 20 materials, explore it in VR, project it into context in AR, remote collaboration visualizing the model. Having road tested this approach with my own company, I unreservedly recommend the project to other early/mid stage entrepreneurs.
Rob Black, CEO
