The use of Extended Reality (XR) technology in the future supply chain for the aerospace and space sector was the focus of a live event in Prestwick recently.
The event was jointly hosted by two Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund (AMCF) projects – the Aerospace Digital Visualisation Suite (ADVS) and Supply Chain AeroSpace (SCA), part funded by ERDF 2014-20 programme – and was attended by SMEs and industry experts from across the country. Entitled ‘Aerospace & Space: The Future Supply Chain’, it provided the opportunity to hear from industry speakers, see demonstrations by leading XR technology companies and enjoy the chance to network once again.
Taking place at the new Skypath Aero Training Centre beside Glasgow Prestwick Airport, the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson welcomed speakers Dr Janet O’Brien-O’Reilly, UK Consortiums and Partnerships Leader with Spirit AeroSystems; Dr David Butler, Reader – Manufacturing Metrology, University of Strathclyde; Ross Graham, Software Engineer with the ADVS project; and Sean McGovern from Newton Aerospace Management Ltd.
Exhibitors Leica Geosystems and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence showed the digital pipeline required to create digital assets and guided attendees through the reality capture techniques that can be used for reverse engineering. At the other end of the digital pipeline, CAD-IT demonstrated the use of these digital assets for life cycle management, augmented instruction delivery and remote assistance.
Ross Graham and Brian Ronald from the ADVS team gave live demonstrations on how the latest technologies can be used within organisations cost effectively, while Gary Williamson and Daniel Hood from the Supply Chain AeroSpace team explained how they can help SMEs gain access to the aerospace and space sector.
Councillor Peter Henderson, said:
“We were thrilled with the turnout for this event, which saw around 100 people from across the country gather to hear how they could expand their business through XR technology and be part of Prestwick’s aerospace and space sectors. Prestwick is recognised globally for these sectors, however, we’re determined to grow them even more, by encouraging SMEs to become part of the aerospace and the space supply chain or to expand their existing operations within it.
“Scottish SMEs have proven time and time again that they are innovative and have the skills necessary to not only compliment the aerospace and space sectors but improve them. It’s vital our industry giants can tap into the value and innovation our SMEs provide and to uncover new competitive solutions. This event provided an opportunity for both sides to engage with each other for their mutual benefit.”