Jim Wade of the JCB Academy, Morgan Williams of the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Neil Lyon of Azura Engineering Ltd and John Savage of the National Fluid Power Centre have been confirmed as judges for the Bosch Rexroth Innovation Award. The judging panel combines expertise in technology development and commercialisation, fluid power and education.
The overall winner of the award will receive a complete BODAS control system, together with 100 hours of design support, to help turn their innovation into a reality. The top prize also includes hardware, software, and product training for up to five people, while additional prizes are on offer for second and third places.
The BODAS system consists of a hardware and software kit, ideally suited to the diverse requirements of mobile working machines and can be adapted for use in any number of innovative mobile concepts. In addition, the modular control system is designed to be simple to install and commission in order to reduce costs, both during prototyping and in production.
Mark Simpson, Business Unit Manager at Bosch Rexroth, said: “We’ve compiled a judging panel of leading independent engineers and education specialists to help us identify and support the emerging technical innovators to assist in the development of machine design concepts, from large-scale construction vehicles through to materials handling solutions.
“While Elon Musk sets his sights on transforming the way we travel, we’re looking for those people who are set to make the next step change that will improve the vehicles that help build our cities, transform landscapes and transport goods. I’d like to encourage any engineer with a good idea that they’re looking to take to the next level, to get in touch and submit an application form.”
Neil Lyon, Managing Director of Azura Engineering Ltd, said: “Vehicle engineering is at the forefront of technical innovation. The BODAS control system plays a key role in helping innovators take their latest technological solutions from concept through to reality, by providing a control system that can be quickly and easily adapted for any number of applications. I’m looking forward to seeing a diverse range of new technologies.”
Morgan Williams, Principal Research Engineer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, said: “These types of modular control systems are invaluable to engineers. It’s great to see a company like Bosch Rexroth supporting in-house teams and individuals as they undertake the difficult task of developing new engineering solutions.”
The Innovation Award is open to engineers aged 18 and over and resident in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland who are working for manufacturers of, or suppliers to, the construction, agricultural, materials handling or on/off-highway vehicles industry.
All entries must be submitted before the closing date on 22 December 2017 and the winners will be announced in January 2018.
To find out more and download our competition pack visit: www.boschrexroth.co.uk/
