The BASE program, under ATTRACT Academy, is a collaborative initiative coordinated by Häme University of Applied Sciences in partnership with Aalto Design Factory and Hochschule Mannheim, all part of the Design Factory Global Network. It aims to foster innovation in smart technologies and environments through two courses: International Product Development Project (iPdP) and Product Development Project (PdP).
Recently, both courses had their Final Gala which provided a platform for students from different disciplines, including engineering, business, and design to unveil their prototypes, demonstrating how this program enables students to apply design methods and iterative testing to create impactful solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration.
These are the projects which used ATTRACT technologies and that were presented in the iPdP Final Gala:
- Graph3n3: the aim was to find use cases for GMODs, a reflective display using graphene, that would provide a good market entry point for the ATTRACT MEGAMORPH project. This is important because the price of graphene is currently high and can deter customers. That is why yacht screens were identified as an excellent use case for graphene because price is less of an issue in the yacht market and yacht screens make perfect use of graphene’s reflective properties as well as its strength and durability. There are also several different possibilities to expand the idea that could be used moving forward.
- Inno.light: it aims to design and develop a hyperspectral imaging scanner mounted on vertically movable wall rails. The system seeks to identify areas where sunscreen may have been applied sparingly or missed entirely. By utilizing advanced hyperspectral imaging technology, the scanner captures detailed spectral information to map out vulnerable skin regions, and the results are displayed on an additional screen enabling users to have near-instant feedback on their sun protection. This approach enhances the precise and effective application of sunscreen to significantly minimize the risk of skin damage from sunlight. It is poised to revolutionize personal health and serve as a preventive measure against skin cancer. The team used the HYLIGHT technology.
- Spectre: in today’s forestry industry, timber inspection often relies on visual assessments, which can vary in effectiveness due to different levels of expertise. To advance this process, a solution is needed that offers reliability, certainty, and efficiency. This project focuses on using a Terahertz (THz) Hyperspectral camera, which captures images using the terahertz radiation range of the electromagnetic spectrum, providing detailed information not visible with regular cameras. The solution proposed is designed to attach to forestry harvesters and scan each tree, collect data, and sort harvested material within different qualities. Limited testing showed promising results which indicates a potential for this technology to revolutionize timber management. By ensuring only the highest quality timber moves forward, it can enhance productivity and support sustainable forestry. This approach combines precision with ecological responsibility. It also promotes a healthier forest ecosystem, improves the wood industry’s efficiency, and maximizes the use of resources. The team used the h-cube technology.
Get to know the projects that used the ATTRACT technologies and that were presented in the PdP Final Gala:
- Team Megamorph: the graphene has amazing qualities such as strength, chemical stability, and sensitivity, which go against what it is usually expected, making it a wonder in today’s science world. Graphene is the base material for a new technology called GMOD (graphene modular displays), which is currently used in display technology. By making use of graphene’s unique affinity with hydrogen and its potential as a molecular sieve, this project is taking an alternative approach to the membrane. The team used the MEGAMORPH technology.
- Team Aquavengers: microplastic pollution is one of the most complex environmental issues that doesn’t receive the attention it needs. Plastics not only cause potential health risks to sea life but also to yourself. The team has developed a micro-filter reusable, and utilises an organic material, cellulose, to create an environmentally friendly solution specifically designed to prevent these plastics from entering your body. The team used the UNICORN Dx spinoff Clearwater’s technology with Glass2Mass technology.
More information about the BASE program here.
