Westcott opens its doors to Bucks locals and industry experts
An expo showcased the centres current work and future plans with space technology
Buckinghamshire residents were invited to learn more about the Westcott Space Cluster's work.
Westcott Innovation Centre in Buckinghamshire has held its first in person expo in over a year, showcasing currently work and future plans.
In the three-hour packed expo, people got to hear from subject matter experts from the fields of Space Propulsion and Manufacturing, Health and Agri-tech applications using 5G & space connectivity, drones and much more.
The Westcott BIC companies shared their journeys and the innovative products and services they are developing.
Senior representatives from the Satellite Applications Catapult, Bucks LEP and the Westcott Venture Park were also present.
The expo was held to showcase what technology and process are happening but also how they can be used in the future and combined to improve current methods.
Mike is the Head of Manufacturing for space for the Satellite Applications Catapult:
"Westcott is the birthplace of space in the UK and today we have been showcasing the new possibilities we've been building, demonstrating to organisations involved what we are doing and where we are going.
"Space impacts every aspect of our working lives, our social lives and our recreations.
"The technology we are taking is not just about the past like the microwave but its about the future.
"New types of pharmaceutics, printing organs, new materials for electric cars... A whole variety of technologies you may not see on the surface but will be working in the background to make you happier and healthier.
"If people want to use their phone for maps, or put on a rain coat that has a layer keeping you warm in the cold and cold in the warmth its going to involve space technology."
Demonstrations included a partnership between two groups, a drone company and a robotic arm group.
The drone company are working with the NHS to deploy medication etc to hospitals, however staff who unpack this materual would need drone training.
Working together the two groups recognised that the robotic arm could be used to take items on and off the drone, allowing hospital staff to continue with their other tasks.
It is this collaborative aspect to find solutions staff and business at Westcott want to showcase.