A student is helping to train aircraft pilots thanks to a scheme linking Staffordshire University with SMEs.
Games Development student Harry Reader created a virtual reality (VR) training experience for the A320 Airbus using the Unreal Engine computer programme during a placement at Longton-based training company V-Prep. He is now set to work on a second VR experience, this time for a Boeing 737.
The work is part of a project called Staffordshire Connected and Intelligent Mobility Innovation Accelerator (SCIMIA), which is available to SMEs through the university’s Innovation Enterprise Zone. SCIMIA gives local businesses practical help to develop innovative solutions for the intelligent mobility market.
Harriet Judge, Production Manager for V-Prep said: “This enables us to look at more of a B2B market. Working with the university, we’ve been able to do simple testing and the lecturer Jessica Lacombe has been really helpful and is opening doors to really useful contacts with Epic Games – the creators of the Unreal Engine computer programme – and the MOD.”
Harry added: “I’ve really enjoyed the placement and it’s given me time to think about what I want to do in my final year at university.”
Rugeley-based technology firm Sensor Magic has also been involved with SCIMIA, working with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Robotics student Chris Mead to develop a smart mirror for potential use in public buildings and business lounges at airports.
Other businesses interested in joining SCIMIA have been told time is running out to apply as final acceptance onto the project is the end of January. To find out more, click here.
Details of other funded programmes available through the Innovation Enterprise Zone can be found here.
