An immersive technology company driving innovation in the automotive industry has been recognised at a prestigious awards evening.
Fuzzy Logic Studio took home the top prize in the ‘Innovation and Technology (SME)’ category at the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) Awards 2023. Sponsored by Newcastle University, the category recognised organisations developing cutting-edge innovation or technology solutions to meet current sector demands.
For the awards, the company put forward its Emerging Skills App - an Augmented Reality (AR) platform created to help close the skills gaps in the UK’s electrification sector. The AR training solution enables learners to practise assembling and disassembling an EV battery, motor and connector using interactive 3D digital models. It includes a drag-and-drop toolbox, as well as text-to-speech functionality. Visualisation and simulation tools, such as Augmented and Virtual Reality, greatly improve knowledge retention within learning environments.
The platform was developed in collaboration with High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult), Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), the University of Warwick, and The Faraday Institution as part of the UK-wide Emerging Skills Project. Funding for the project came from the Department for Education (DfE).
Harvey Trent, Director of Fuzzy Logic Studio, said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised by the industry for the work we do to reskill, upskill, and new skill both the current and future workforce. This project is a great example of how collaboration can create an innovative solution to one of the sector’s current challenges.
“Across automotive manufacturing roles related to batteries, power electronics and electric machines, 63% of current jobs will be subject to significant change. This means an ever-increasing need exists to ensure effective training provision at scale. We believe immersive technologies can play an integral role in developing the skills needed across the supply chain. Thank you to the team at NEAA for their continued support and we look forward to working closely with the network moving forward.”
The winners were announced during a ceremony at the Ramside Hall Hotel, which was attended by more than 250 members of the NEAA. In addition to the award, Fuzzy Logic Studio also received a cheque for £1,000. This will be donated to Biddick Academy in Sunderland to support the school’s STEM education projects.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, added: “I am delighted to see Fuzzy Logic Studio recognised for their innovative use of technology and their commitment to addressing the skills gap in the UK automotive industry. The UK’s automotive industry is changing rapidly, with a significant need to upskill, reskill, and new skill technicians to bridge the skills gap and keep up with the electric revolution.
“Fuzzy Logic Studio has demonstrated that, with the use of AR, they are at the forefront of innovation and technological advancements. What’s more, it’s great to see this recognition benefitting a local school where our future talent resides.”
Based in North Shields, Fuzzy Logic Studio specialise in building immersive learning experiences that build competence at scale. Using tactile game-based learning principles, it delivers engaging solutions that improve knowledge retention and reduce training times. Clients include Anglo American, Tyne Metropolitan College, Hyundai, Microsoft, and the United Nations (UNIDO).
