The EPSRC Centre in Ultra precision supported a cohort of seven MSc students to undertake a group project based on the Centre’s educational programme Watch it Made® from January to April 2015.
Background
Watch it Made® is a concept bringing the excitement of modern manufacturing engineering into the hands of children. The approach is to enable children to design, manufacture and assemble quality watches. Children experience the pride of invention and producing for themselves a useful self-designed quality engineered product. Today, two recent MSc graduates, Florian Caroff and Armand Didier are working to translate this manufacturing learning experience into a franchise business.
Aim and Objectives
Watch it Made® Go Mobile will create a mobile version of the Watch it Made® Manufacturing Learning Studio. This mobile unit will then travel around the UK delivering the Watch it Made® experiences. The aim of this project is to design, specify and develop mobile technologies for the Watch it Made® educational experience.
Approach
A benchmark study and the double diamond methodology were used in order to evaluate numerous options with the aim of selecting the most suitable one for the Watch it Made® experience. The mobile solution can be divided into three areas: transport, equipment handling and housing. After a selection process involving different tools such as a SWOT analysis, HCD analysis and score sheets, the most appropriate solution has been developed.
Findings and Recommendations
The evaluation and selection process and a market research have highlighted the remote controlled stair climbing Twin-Track 66 from Movex Innovation as the best handling machine. A structure has been designed through CAD models. Fixed on the Twin-Track 66, this structure allows a full integration of the Watch it Made® parts and machines (including a lathe, UV printer and an engraving machine). After choosing a supplier and selecting all the aluminium frames, fastening components and panels, an exhaustive bill of materials has been created and a discounted quotation has been negotiated. The mobile platform developed allows not only the Watch it Made® team to move the equipment easily but also shows the potential of engineering to the children.
A partnership with Vaxuhall Motors has been negotiated, who will provide a van to enable the watch making experience to be delivered at various venues. Watch it Made® branding has been designed and applied to the vehicle.
Outputs
Digital Media
Ajadi, S., Haba, J., Lebrun, C., Péter, R., Phan, B-L., Richer, B. and Wang, R. (2015), Watch it Made Go Mobile, MSc Group Project Video