Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are collaboarations between
Universities and Companies to facilitate Technology Transfer from the
academic partner to the industrial partner. The scheme is funded by the
Department of trade and Industry (DTI) predominantly for Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) and employs recent graduates, located in the Company
and supervised by the University. Schemes provide training for the individual
KTP Associates which may include registration for
a higher degree. Some examples within the Mechatronics Group are:
Tritex International
A programme of work with Tritex concerning
a new generation of knitting machines with novel high speed mechatronic activators.
TCAs Sylvia Murmelstein, Darren
Hale, both of whom registered for higher degrees. The programme integrated
design and production aspects. Supervisors Dr Memis Acar and Dr Mike Jackson
from MRC, with Mr A Hodgson from the Department of Manufacturing Engineering.
Coba Plastics Ltd Coba Plastics manufacture Coba Mat which aids in reducing foot and leg stress
in the work environment when operatives spend much of their time standing.
Production of the mat (by a weaving process) was resulting in RSI injuries.
An automated machine was designed and proven. TCA Toby Hill registered for
a higher degree. Supervisor Mr Andy Taylor aided by Prof Rob Parkin.
Feedback Instruments Ltd Feedback Instruments manufacture
a range of didactic equipment for worldwide sale. TCAs Laura Georghe-Pickford
and Martyn Langfield worked on Hardware in
the
Loop
controlled
via MATLAB and on a Mechatronics Workbench - epitomised by the Buggy
Kit [PDF] which
enables students to design and construct a range of mobile robotic vehicles.
Supervisors Prof Rob Parkin, Dr Mike Jackson, Mr Andy Taylor.
Annec Technology
Annec are involved management of rail infrastructure assets. Part of this involves
the use of a special tracked vehicle to travel the railways and record all
infrastructure using video, GPS and many other sensors. The programme involves
the design and construction of a sensing device to scan the inside of tunnels
and other structures to enable the maximum envelope for rail traffic. Supervised
by Dr David Kerr and Dr Kaddour Bouazza-Marouf.
