An engineer’s priority is obviously to gather the information that can be filtered back into product development or to find market opportunities, but there was undoubtedly an element of the intrigue and excitement that cutting edge engineering design brings. This was most evident in the conference programme and in particular the keynotes. On day one Andy Claughton, Technical Director of Land Rover BAR, described how Ben Ainslie’s team were designing a boat that will, hopefully, win the America’s Cup in 2017, which would be a first for the UK. The complexities of advanced materials, aerodynamics, control engineering, the simulation and CFD models made a complete and compelling engineering tale.
Day two kicked off in equally fascinating fashion as Ian Cluett, Head of Programmes and Commercial at Williams Advanced Engineering, described how Formula 1 technology has filtered through to other motor sports and the automotive sector in general, but particular emphasis was placed on development of the battery that can be found powering all of the cars in the new Formula E series.
There were many other highlights in the conference programme, presentations about Hybrid Air Vehicles new airship and Covestro’s report on using novel materials for the design of the Solar Impulse aircraft were both particularly well attended and received.
When asked why they came and stayed for the duration, visitors also credited the workshops, for which they gained CPD credits, the co-location with the Electronics and Embedded Design Shows, and the scope and expertise of the 210 exhibitors.
“All the feedback has been incredibly positive,” claimed executive director for organiser Findlay Media, Ed Tranter. “There was such an air of positivity this year that we were left in no doubt that we have created an event that is important to all corners of the industry. It was this level of participation and enthusiasm that made 2015 the best EDS to date”
The event has evolved since its inception four years ago and Tranter already has plans for 2016 to make sure this continues. He continued: “The critical issue facing our industry is the lack of engineers coming through the education system. We need more going in and more staying with their discipline once they graduate. As we have so much of the Britain’s finest engineering represented in this event, it seemed an obvious opportunity to use it to further engage engineering students. So new for 2016 will be a major feature called ‘Tomorrow’s Engineering Designers’, which we have committed a substantial new area of the Ricoh Arena to.”
Other new features for 2016 will include panel discussions and opportunities to try out the latest design technologies. More details on the 2016 show and its new features will be posted on the website as they become available.
Tranter concluded: “EDS continues to be a huge success and I am sure this is down to the collaborative approach. Exhibitors, visitors, conference speakers, sponsors....everyone plays a crucial part in this partnership and my thanks go out to all of them for creating such a great show in 2015.”
