Prototype project steers T Level students to TV fame
A project to design a prototype aimed at improving accessibility on Canal & River Trust waterways led to a cameo TV appearance for Walsall College’s T Level students. Narrow Escapes featured the students supporting the accessible moorings project delivered by The Trust in partnership with the Accessible Waterways Association.
The Channel 4 programme showed how a lifesize accessible bollard would benefit boaters with visual impairments or disabilities. Larger in size, brighter in appearance and with extra cleats, the bollard was part designed by the automotive students to be easier to see and use, especially for those in a seated position on a boat. It also helps to avoid trip hazards.
Canal & River Trust and the college students invited representatives from the Accessible Waterways Association to test out the bollard on their local canal and the outing was a great success.
Georgia Tsinopolou, Innovate Consultant at the college said: “With the support of Black Country Innovation Services, the college has been able to demonstrate how easy it is for all types of organisations to explore innovative ways of working and operating, where even small changes to products and services can have a major impact.
“Our bespoke Digital Innovation Hub accommodates a range of 3D design, printing and prototype testing work and we look forward to bringing about future collaborations between our students and local employers.”
