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EPSRC Future Metrology Hub
Developing the UK Metrology Community To help build a strong network for metrology research in the UK, the Hub launched the first in a series of planned research feasibility study calls. These feasibility studies are primarily targeted at early career researchers and aimed at identifying and developing potentially valuable new areas of research which are currently at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). For projects where feasibility is demonstrated there is the potential to seek additional funding and for further collaboration.
The first call focussed on three topics which are closely linked to the Hub’s research themes: • Photonic integration for metrology sensors • Novel methods for automating metrology • Measurement in challenging environments. The call generated significant interest and in total twenty-five applications were received from eighteen universities. Following a rigorous review and selection process, four applications were selected for funding:
Immersive Metrology System (IMS) PI: Dr Vimal Dhokia Mixed reality is an emerging technology that blends the real and virtual to create new environments where physical and digital objects interact and co-exist in real time. The full integration of mixed reality and metrology technologies for complex assembly inspection has not been previously investigated. In this ambitious project, IMS, mixed reality technologies will be used to increase productivity within industrial, metrology-led inspection by enabling hands free measurement whilst also minimising the adverse effects of environmental factors (temperature and vibration).
