Digital Catapult has opened a 5G immersive lab, supported by the UK minister of state for science, innovation and technology, Sir Chris Bryant.
The Digital Catapult 5G immersive lab is located in Newcastle, UK, designed to help small and medium sized businesses to scale faster by ‘de-risking’ the adoption of 5G an dimmersive technologies.
The facility aims to encourage small and medium sized businesses to work alongside large businesses, developing proofs of concept aimed at solving complex challenges in the world of business.
Digital Catapult aims to encourage businesses in the UK’s north-east, which typically focus on retail, agriculture, and manufacturing, to engage with the lab.
During a visit by the minister, the work of regional companies was showcased, demonstrating transformative technology applications across the consumer and training verticals. An AR showcase was presented by local tech company, Aircards, demonstrating ‘smart mirror’ technologies.
A virtual hazard-perception training exercise was also showcased, created by Luminous XR, which has been presented to several participants on Digital Catapult’s programmes.
Sir Bryant emphasised the new government’s commitment to sustaining economic growth, in part by supporting digital transformation, immersive experiences, and improving connectivity nationwide.
Bryant said: “It’s not easy to blow my socks off, but that’s what this did. It is fantastic to see first-hand digital innovation happening in the heart of Newcastle, which is a testament to the region’s ambition to help home-grown businesses to flourish. Above all, it was great to see completely commercial products being developed by companies working alongside the local authorities to build the businesses of the future.
“This government is on a mission to generate sustained economic growth in every corner of the UK, and the Digital Catapult innovators I have met are helping us do so by leveraging regional talent to boost growth in the North East and beyond.”
Jessica Driscoll, director of immersive technology, Digital Catapult, commented: “Immersive technology is reshaping industries across the UK with tools and processes that come from the creative industries being used in more industrial use cases, driving innovation and unlocking new economic opportunities. The 5G Immersive Lab will be a hub that will give businesses hands-on opportunities to experiment, collaborate, and accelerate the practical adoption of technologies to drive growth.”