Two North West tech firms have collaborated to develop a cutting-edge search and rescue backpack.
- Revector and 4D Products, encountering each other at a Sci-Tech Daresbury networking event, combined their expertise.
- Revector contributed a mobile tracking device that narrows location signals to a 20-meter radius, ideal for Vietnam’s dense forests.
- 4D Products created a custom cradle to carry Revector’s 10kg unit, enhancing the ease of use for rescue teams.
- The collaboration resulted in a rapid prototype development, from concept to completion in just one month.
In a forward-thinking move, two companies from the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus have combined their technological prowess to create a modern solution for search and rescue operations. The collaboration between Revector and 4D Products highlights how synergy and innovation can address real-world challenges effectively.
The relationship between the two firms began at a networking event, where Revector, experienced in telecommunications and security, identified a need for better search capabilities in Vietnam’s tricky terrains. Their expertise in creating a phone tracking device that can capture and pinpoint a missing person’s mobile signal to within a 20-meter radius, even in dense vegetation, was a critical advancement. However, deploying this cutting-edge technology necessitated a thoughtful design for portability and efficiency, leading them to seek a partnership.
Excelling in product design, 4D Products was tasked with the challenge of creating a specialised cradle to carry the 10kg tracking unit alongside its extended antenna. This unique design forms the core of a backpack system tailored for search teams. The geographical proximity of the two companies at Sci-Tech Daresbury enabled seamless and speedy development processes, reducing the usual delays of long-distance collaboration.
Shane Wilson, CEO of Revector, expressed pride in the technological breakthrough and its potential impact on rescue missions in Vietnam. He extolled the efficiencies gained from co-locating with 4D Products, noting that their ability to quickly resolve design inquiries and iterate on ideas was a decisive factor in the speed and success of the project. This proximity allowed practical, real-time problem-solving and minimal downtime between iterations.
Adam Farrall of 4D Products echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the ease of direct communication and hands-on collaboration. This resulted in rapid prototyping and adjustments, such as a custom handle design completed within a single day. This kind of collaboration exemplifies the advantageous environment Sci-Tech Daresbury provides for innovation through proximity and partnership.
Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Business Growth Director, John Leake, observed that their ecosystem fosters a blend of skills and expertise necessary for rapid ideation and commercialization. The speed and effectiveness demonstrated by Revector and 4D Products underscore the benefits of having a collaborative and responsive business community.
The partnership between Revector and 4D Products at Sci-Tech Daresbury has not only expedited innovation but has also set a new standard for collaborative efficiency in technology development.
