The WiSAR Technology Gateway, at LYIT, has today unveiled a new €170,000 state of the art, 8-axis portable CMM (coordinate measuring machine) arm, equipped with an ultra-high precision scanner and related software, following a successful submission to last year’s Enterprise Ireland, Capital Equipment Fund. The advanced technology will see the LYIT Department of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering research facility, significantly expand upon current test and prototyping capacity for industry in the North West region and beyond.

The revolutionary scanning device, typically adopted in the manufacturing sector, utilises both contact, via ruby tipped probes, and non-contact measuring technology, via the latest cutting-edge blue-laser 3D scanner, to convert physical objects into digital 3D models, with ultra-high accuracy down to 0.020mm. The equipment is designed for inspection, dimensional analysis, Computer Aided Design comparison, tool certifications and reverse engineering applications on parts and assemblies across a wide range of engineering businesses including automotive, marine, agritech and medtech.

Derek Thornton, of LYIT’s Department of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering explains that the acquisition of this pioneering suite of equipment will enable the Institute to harness and accelerate the digital capabilities of a wide range of industry partners. “The speed of technological advancement coupled with the challenge to maintain competitiveness in a dynamic and demanding business environment, has driven a new industrial revolution, particularly in the manufacturing industry.”

“This new state-of-the-art, high-resolution scanner can quickly and accurately capture exact specifications of physical objects, from prototype design phase, right through to inspection and verification stage. These capabilities are fundamental for many engineering businesses to leverage unique design and rigorous quality control processes, particularly in the context of the growing consumer demand for personalisation, customisation and shorter lead times.”

LYIT’s Department of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering Technician, Johnny Morrow, highlighted that the cutting-edge equipment will complement the strong manufacturing cluster in the North West. “In this digital age, advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D scanning, are key to industrial competitiveness and market growth. However, there are various barriers for businesses in accessing and adopting innovative processes which require significant financial and human capital commitments. High spec technologies, such as these scanning capabilities, are not readily accessible to most companies.”

“LYIT has seen a growing demand among industry partners for high resolution scanning equipment in the North West where we have an abundance of globally renowned manufacturing businesses. This pioneering new scanning facility, which is portable and can be transported directly to client sites, will be a key resource for companies in unlocking the full potential of Industry 4.0.”

Dr Jim Morrison, Principal Investigator at the WiSAR Lab and Technology Gateway, highlighted how the new scanning facility will significantly bolster LYIT’s responsiveness in tackling industry challenges through applied R&D. “At the WiSAR lab, we have a renowned track record in industry engagement, providing real world solutions and direct access to new, emerging technologies and academic expertise for dozens of companies since our inception.

“With so many challenges facing the manufacturing industry, in the global business environment, such as Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the ever-increasing pressure to accelerate automation, access to this world class scanning technology can be a game changer in improving supply chain efficiencies.”

“As LYIT looks towards Technological University status, under the Connaught-Ulster Alliance, the commercialisation of research and innovation, will be key to driving regional economic prosperity.”

WiSAR Technology Gateway Manager, Dr Stephen Seawright concluded by saying “The manufacturing sector is a significant contributor to the local economy in the North West, with a high calibre of both indigenous and multinational businesses, and we are delighted to showcase this ground-breaking technology, which will enable businesses to validate their processes against international standards.”

“This vital funding injection, which is one of several capital investments from Enterprise Ireland in recent years, will ensure that we remain responsive and proactive in meeting the evolving needs of our industry partners through our continued industry-centric research activities.”

Photo: L-R Johnny Morrow, Dr Jim Morrison, Derek Thornton, LYIT

Are you a small and medium-sized limited company registered in Ireland? Are you currently looking for assistance with research and innovation solutions? Or perhaps your product, service or process requires some expertise which is currently outside of your existing R&D capacity?.  

The Innovation Voucher scheme run by Enterprise Ireland could provide you with a pathway to solving innovation problems. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company to explore a business opportunity, problem or solution with a registered knowledge provider. 

SMEs throughout Ireland now have the opportunity to apply for up to a maximum of four Innovation Vouchers, one of which must be a 50-50 co-funded voucher. Applications are open on a continuous call throughout the year via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.  

There are two types of voucher available. A fully funded €5,000 standard voucher and the 50-50 co-funded Fast Track voucher (to a maximum value of €10,000). You can get more information on each voucher here.  A company may only have one ‘active’ voucher at any point in time. 

The Innovation Vouchers scheme is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered with the CRO in Ireland. You do not have to be a client of Enterprise Ireland to apply. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. 

Please note: Innovation Vouchers are subject to VAT. You will be invoiced for the VAT by the knowledge provider and this cost must be settled separately by the company. 

More information on the Innovation Voucher scheme can be found here.  

Ministers Troy and English announce landmark 5,000th project – Sligo based company, Tekrasport and their collaboration with the WiSAR Gateway in Letterkenny IT on Tekralite, a 100% waterproof, wireless, rechargeable, LED strobe light for swimming in low light conditions.

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy and Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English today announced Tekrasport and their collaboration with the WiSAR Technology Gateway in Letterkenny IT as the 5,000th industry project completed by the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network.

In operation since 2013, the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network provides a range of innovation solutions and supports to companies throughout the island of Ireland. Run by Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities, the network has 16 Technology Gateways located nationwide. Each providing services and supports, across a range of technologies, to Irish companies in the areas such as Food, Pharma, ICT and Materials amongst others.

Companies from across the country have benefited from the expertise and experience available within the network to assist in the delivery of near-to-market solutions. The Technology Gateway Network and the funding supports offered by Enterprise Ireland are fundamental in promoting the ongoing development of research, development and innovation (RD&I) within companies who may lack the facilitates, equipment, personnel or expertise to do so otherwise.

The network offers support and assistance to a wide range of companies such as, High Potential Start-Ups, Small and Medium Enterprises, Large Indigenous and Multinationals. To date, the Gateways has collaborated with over 3,560 Irish companies, assisting in 5,000 projects worth €45million, of which over €22.5million is cash from industry.

Speaking of the achievement, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy said “Reaching the 5,000th project so quickly is a fantastic achievement that all the Technology Gateway staff should be proud of. Growing from 200 projects in 2013 to over 850 annually in 2020 is evidence of the huge demand from industry that exists and the willingness of the companies to return on multiple occasions to their local Gateways to carry out R&D. I am sure that the journey to project 10,000 will be even quicker and that the growth of the Technology Gateways will continue at pace due to the outstanding commitment of the Institutes of Technologies and Technological Universities in supporting their individual Technology Gateways.”

Speaking about the announcement Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD said “Tekrasport Ltd are a prime example of the extremely high standard of innovative products designed or in production by Irish industry today. The Tekrasport story is one of inspiration which no doubt will resonate with many. The growth of the Technology Gateways also highlights the world class talent available in the Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities and the value of local access for industry to this knowledge. I would encourage any companies who haven’t done so already to contact their local Technology Gateway to see what support is available to help them deal with challenges such as BREXIT and the COVID 19 pandemic.”

Enterprise Ireland’s Gearoid Mooney said, “Enterprise Ireland is proud to support the Technology Gateway network across Ireland. It plays a vital role in opening up access to research expertise on a regional level through our Institutes of Technology and our Technological Universities. The commencement of the 5000th project is a great achievement and I want to acknowledge the role that all partners have played in making this a real success story and we look forward to future collaboration in the years to come.”

Tekrasport / WiSAR Partnership

The partnership with WiSAR Lab, enabled Tekrasport to increase the functionality and improve the power consumption of their innovative Tekralite, the only 100% waterproof rechargeable light on the market. By working with WiSAR researchers, Tekrasport Ltd were able to improve the end-user experience and the battery life of their innovative light, for multi-purpose use in many recreational sporting activities including running, cycling and kayaking.

These improvements to the Tekralite have increased the devices potential to be a game changer in the recreational sport industry.

Speaking of the recent collaboration John Hanley, founder of Tekrasport said:

“We were delighted to team up with WiSAR, through the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher Programme, to develop the functionality of our innovative Tekralite. Through this collaboration with WiSAR researchers, Tekrasport were able to incorporate a number of significant improvements to our swimmers’ light, making the product even more competitive and attractive for the global market. Going forward, we believe that this added value will increase our capacity to grow and penetrate new markets.”