The second cohort of businesses trialling and refining green transport technologies as part of the Clean Futures Accelerator programme showcased their innovations at Coventry University’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME).
The Clean Futures Accelerator, led by Connected Places Catapult alongside Coventry University and the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), supports businesses in developing clean technology solutions for the transport sector. It is a part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, focused on decarbonising transport, a major source of UK emissions.
So far, 20 companies which are leading efforts to reduce the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels have completed the programme. It has created and safeguarded more than 54 jobs and attracted £129.6m in co-investment, including £21m in private investment and over £100m in commercial contracts.
Building on the success of the first cohort, 19 more businesses received up to £50,000, plus technical and commercial support, to develop sustainable transport solutions in clean vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure and alternative fuels over a six-month period.
One of the innovations is a Virtual Reality (VR)-controlled robot developed by Extend Robotics that can automatically put together battery modules and take apart car doors, improving efficiency and reducing the need for manual labour in automotive manufacturing.
Dr Chang Liu, Founder, CEO and Chief Designer at Extend Robotics, said: “Extend Robotics tackles industry challenges with a fully immersive VR-based human-robot interface, enabling users to intuitively monitor, manage, and train robots. With the AMAS solution, robotic and non-robotic experts can remotely teleoperate robots while maintaining an immersive, high-resolution, low-latency Digital Twin view of the environment.
Positioned to address labour shortages and risks in harsh working conditions, Extend Robotics has demonstrated tangible success in EV manufacturing, validating the practical impact of its technology.”
Another is a custom-built Manufacturing Management System (MMS) by OX Delivers, which optimises electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing processes through automation and integration. The MMS addresses key industry challenges, particularly the inefficiencies and high costs associated with manual methods for defining and updating build instructions.
Natalie Dowsett, founding member of OX Delivers, said: “At OX Delivers, we understand there is need in the industry for better tools than are currently available for managing EV prototype development. OX is looking to manufacture in multiple countries in future, so an intuitive, cost-effective and scalable solution is critical to our success. As there is nothing else like this on the market, there may be scope for commercialisation of our Manufacturing Management System within the EV manufacturing industry. We are excited to look at ways to share this success.”
Professor Marcos Kauffman, Director of AME at Coventry University, said: “The Clean Futures programme is accelerating the development of sustainable transport technologies and supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. We’re excited to see the impact of this year’s cohort as they bring their innovations to market, strengthening the West Midlands as a global hub for clean technology.”
Other showcased innovations included:
- A digital twin model for battery chemistries to optimise performance.
- A precision measurement system for battery trays, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards.
- An electrical control system for onboard EV chargers, improving efficiency and reliability.
- Automated tool for tolerance analysis of low emissions generators.
As part of the programme, Coventry University provides access to its AME and the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS). These facilities and their expert teams play a major role in helping businesses develop their green innovations.
