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Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Incredible Tech That Stole The Show At Goodwood's Future Lab
Future Lab at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 showcased the most jaw-dropping innovations in AI, ... More robotics, space, and ocean exploration. If you come to the Goodwood Festival of Speed expecting nothing but the roar of supercars and the scent of high-octane fuel, you're only getting half the story. Tucked just beyond the Hillclimb track lies one of the most futuristic corners of the estate, where combustion engines give way to quantum simulations, satellites, and synthetic intelligence. Welcome to Future Lab, Goodwood's immersive technology campus, where sci-fi steps off the page and into reality. Curated by the ever-curious and brilliantly insightful Lucy Johnston, Future Lab is where Goodwood asks not what the car of the future looks like, but what kind of future we want to build in the first place. And based on this year's line-up, that future is intelligent, immersive, and quite possibly orbiting the planet. Technology For A Better World Future Lab showcased four themes this year, tackling some of the biggest questions of our time: how we move through the world (Mobility for Humanity), how we build things (New Industrial Revolutions), how we map reality (Exploring Spatial Intelligence), and how we care for the planet (Our Big Blue Dot). Each theme was packed with hands-on demonstrations and mind-expanding exhibits, but a few projects in particular rose above the crowd, not just for what they showed, but for what they promise. Meet Ameca: The Robot With A Face That Gets You Let's start with the humanoid robot that drew both fascination and a few startled double-takes: Ameca. Created by UK-based Engineered Arts and presented at Future Lab by The National Robotarium, Ameca looks less like a robot and more like a character from the next Pixar movie. What sets Ameca apart is not just her hyper-realistic facial expressions or uncanny ability to hold eye contact. It's her flexibility. She doesn't come with a baked-in intelligence, but instead acts as a hardware interface for any AI brain you like, whether it's ChatGPT, Alexa, or something custom-built. As Steve Maclaren from The National Robotarium put it, "She's designed to communicate on a human level with facial expression, actual eye contact, and gestures." And while some visitors looked nervous at first, Maclaren observed that children immediately connected with Ameca, chatting away like it was the most normal thing in the world. In ten years, he predicts robots like Ameca could be helping with household chores or assisting in healthcare. Judging by the reception here, that future might arrive sooner than we think. Manufacturing Materials—In Orbit While humanoid robots might get the headlines, one of the most quietly revolutionary projects at Future Lab was floating a little higher, literally. Enter Space Forge, a Cardiff-based aerospace company developing reusable satellites to manufacture semiconductors in orbit. Why space? Because the vacuum and microgravity conditions found in low Earth orbit are ideal for growing ultra-pure crystals used in semiconductors and quantum materials. On Earth, gravity introduces tiny imperfections. Up there, materials form more perfectly, meaning better chips, better devices, and lower energy usage. Andrew Griffiths of Space Forge explained how their ForgeStar platform is already in orbit and collecting data. Future versions will be fully return-capable, equipped with high-tech reentry shields and soft-landing systems that allow the satellites to be recovered, refurbished, and reused. This isn't just a moonshot. With funding from the UK government, NATO, and ESA, Space Forge is positioning itself as the factory of the future, floating above us. The Endurance Wreck, Revived By AI From space to seabed, the Future Lab experience also plunged into the history of Ernest Shackleton's legendary ship, the Endurance. The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT) showcased the extraordinary mission to locate the wreck of the Endurance beneath 3,000 meters of Antarctic ice using undersea robots and sonar drones. Once found, the next challenge was to bring it to life, and that's where artificial intelligence came in. Elena Lewendon from FMHT detailed how the team used photogrammetry and AI-powered colour correction to stitch together over 25,000 deep-sea images. The result is an extraordinarily accurate digital twin of the wreck. From that, a 3D-printed model was created, built over 350 hours, to help children and visitors explore every bolt and timber of Shackleton's ship. 'Children can now experience the Endurance in a way no history book ever could,' Lewendon said. And with its new status as a protected Antarctic monument, the wreck is now both a preserved artifact and a living educational tool. Mapping The Universe With AI Looking up rather than down, the University of Sussex and the European Space Agency brought the cosmos into focus with the Euclid space telescope. While it quietly orbits 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, Euclid is busy mapping the universe in unprecedented detail. The mission? To decode the mysterious forces of dark matter and dark energy. Professor Stephen Wilkins explained how Euclid's mission relies on AI to process its staggering volume of data, billions of galaxies, many faint and distant. 'There's just no way humans could classify all of it manually,' he said. 'So we're teaching machines to spot the extraordinary in the ordinary.' Wilkins hopes this new lens on the universe will bring answers to some of physics's most stubborn questions. At the very least, it's likely to inspire a new generation of stargazers, armed with better data and smarter tools than ever before. A Few More Marvels Worth Mentioning The wonder didn't stop there. Visitors could pilot the moon's surface in VR thanks to Somniacs and Cesium's Lunar Flight Experience, or step inside Atlantic Studios' cosmic Apple Vision Pro journey through the James Webb Space Telescope's finest images. BMW offered a glimpse of its 'Heart of Joy' control system for next-gen electric driving. Marble's climate drones mapped environmental change with surgical precision. And the E1 electric raceboats added a splash of speed to the sustainability message. Each exhibitor, from ocean explorers to orbital engineers, shared a common message: the future isn't just about sleek machines or clever code. It's about purpose. Why Future Lab Matters More Than Ever Among the engine growls and cheering crowds, Future Lab is a welcome jolt of reflection. It reminds us that technology isn't just for going faster, it's for going further, with thought and with care. As Lucy Johnston, the Lab's curator, summed up: 'This is about championing technology for a better world. The exhibitors are solving real-world challenges with bold thinking, creative tools, and scientific collaboration.' Future Lab proves that the real race is to make tomorrow better than today. And judging by what was on show this year, we've got some very good people (and robots) on our team.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Partnership PhDs Will Deliver Solutions For Communities
Press Release – University of Canterbury Businesses and community organisations are backing UC Connect Doctoral scholarships to tackle real-world challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for communities. Twelve UC Connect Doctoral scholarships have been launched to address gaps in knowledge across economic, social and environmental sustainability – from wastewater treatment and improving health policy, to designing better buildings for Pacific communities. Co-funded by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and local partners, each scholarship is tailored to meet specific sector needs, ensuring that postgraduate research outcomes translate into meaningful, real-world impact. 'This is a win-win partnership,' UC Tumu Tuarua Rangahau | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Lucy Johnston says. 'Our PhD candidates gain hands-on experience while conducting research that addresses urgent, practical challenges and makes a difference for communities. At the same time, our partners benefit from robust, evidence-based solutions.' The partnership model is the future of research, Professor Johnston believes. 'By working together, we are supporting the next generation of experts to complete their qualifications and get a jumpstart on their careers, while helping our communities and industries to thrive.' UC Connect Doctoral scholarship recipients will conduct their research on current sustainability challenges in a real-world environment, while developing transferable industry skills and professional networks. Each scholarship includes full tuition, and an annual stipend for three years jointly funded by UC and the partner organisation. UC is committed to undertaking research that has a positive impact locally and globally and to working with local partners. Organisations that are interested in discussing a UC Connect Doctoral scholarship partnership or other research opportunities at UC are welcome to contact the team to discuss research ideas and needs – email dvcresearchinnovation@ Ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide for sustainability, UC has embedded sustainability into qualifications across all disciplines and offers a range of sustainability-focused degrees including the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and the Bachelor of Environmental Science. UC Connect Doctoral scholarships: Exploring the benefits of cultural immersion in environmental and experiential education UC school: School of Earth & Environmental Sciences Partner: Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Performance of Waste-sourced Treatment Media for Enhancing Stormwater Treatment Outcomes UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Christchurch City Council Modelling sludge accumulation, degradation and distribution processes in highly loaded wastewater treatment ponds and associated impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and midge control. UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Christchurch City Council Development and Validation of a Novel Cored Mass Timber Panel for Resilient Construction in the Pacific UC school: School of Forestry Partner: Adhesive Technologies NZ Ltd Climate-Proof Energy System Planning and Operation UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Open Energy Transition Assessment of biodiverse vegetation cover options to future-proof stopbanks in Aotearoa New Zealand UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Christchurch City Council High capacity cryocooler UC school: Mechanical Engineering Partner: Fabrum Sustainable isolation of integral membrane proteins using 3D-printed monolith columns. UC school: School of Biological Sciences Partner: Precision Chromatography Limited (PCL) Nature-based solutions for Marae onsite wastewater treatment: process resilience and cultural integration of the Wairewa system. UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Ngāi Tahu Investigating Earthquake-Induced Pressure Transients in Hydropower Penstocks and Pressure Tunnels UC school: Mechanical Engineering Partner: ReGenerateNZ Ltd. (Re-Generate) Designing Embodied Virtual Agents to Enable Equitable Access to Therapeutic Exercises and Enhanced Wellbeing UC school: School of Product Design Partner: JIX Limited (JIX) Towards Smarter Health Policy: A Data-Driven Framework for Health Modelling in Aotearoa New Zealand UC school: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Partnership PhDs Will Deliver Solutions For Communities
Twelve UC Connect Doctoral scholarships have been launched to address gaps in knowledge across economic, social and environmental sustainability - from wastewater treatment and improving health policy, to designing better buildings for Pacific communities. Co-funded by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and local partners, each scholarship is tailored to meet specific sector needs, ensuring that postgraduate research outcomes translate into meaningful, real-world impact. 'This is a win-win partnership,' UC Tumu Tuarua Rangahau | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Lucy Johnston says. 'Our PhD candidates gain hands-on experience while conducting research that addresses urgent, practical challenges and makes a difference for communities. At the same time, our partners benefit from robust, evidence-based solutions.' The partnership model is the future of research, Professor Johnston believes. 'By working together, we are supporting the next generation of experts to complete their qualifications and get a jumpstart on their careers, while helping our communities and industries to thrive.' UC Connect Doctoral scholarship recipients will conduct their research on current sustainability challenges in a real-world environment, while developing transferable industry skills and professional networks. Each scholarship includes full tuition, and an annual stipend for three years jointly funded by UC and the partner organisation. UC is committed to undertaking research that has a positive impact locally and globally and to working with local partners. Organisations that are interested in discussing a UC Connect Doctoral scholarship partnership or other research opportunities at UC are welcome to contact the team to discuss research ideas and needs - email dvcresearchinnovation@ Ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide for sustainability, UC has embedded sustainability into qualifications across all disciplines and offers a range of sustainability-focused degrees including the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and the Bachelor of Environmental Science. UC Connect Doctoral scholarships: Exploring the benefits of cultural immersion in environmental and experiential education UC school: School of Earth & Environmental Sciences Partner: Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Performance of Waste-sourced Treatment Media for Enhancing Stormwater Treatment Outcomes UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Christchurch City Council Modelling sludge accumulation, degradation and distribution processes in highly loaded wastewater treatment ponds and associated impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and midge control. UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Christchurch City Council Development and Validation of a Novel Cored Mass Timber Panel for Resilient Construction in the Pacific UC school: School of Forestry Partner: Adhesive Technologies NZ Ltd Climate-Proof Energy System Planning and Operation UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Open Energy Transition Assessment of biodiverse vegetation cover options to future-proof stopbanks in Aotearoa New Zealand UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Christchurch City Council High capacity cryocooler UC school: Mechanical Engineering Partner: Fabrum Sustainable isolation of integral membrane proteins using 3D-printed monolith columns. UC school: School of Biological Sciences Partner: Precision Chromatography Limited (PCL) Nature-based solutions for Marae onsite wastewater treatment: process resilience and cultural integration of the Wairewa system. UC school: Civil and Environmental Engineering Partner: Ngāi Tahu Investigating Earthquake-Induced Pressure Transients in Hydropower Penstocks and Pressure Tunnels UC school: Mechanical Engineering Partner: ReGenerateNZ Ltd. (Re-Generate) Designing Embodied Virtual Agents to Enable Equitable Access to Therapeutic Exercises and Enhanced Wellbeing UC school: School of Product Design Partner: JIX Limited (JIX) UC school: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
UC Rises To 61st In The World For Global Impact
The latest results of the THE Impact Rankings, released today, confirm Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)'s growing reputation as a globally impactful institution committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Out of more than 2,500 participating universities worldwide, UC has climbed 28 places from its previous position of 89 – affirming its leadership in research, teaching, and community engagement that drives sustainable development. Demonstrating the University's strength in research and teaching that addresses real-world challenges, UC achieved standout global positions: 14th for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and 22nd for Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). UC is the top-ranked university in New Zealand for three SDGs: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 14: Life Below Water 'These results reflect the University's deep commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,' says Professor Jan Evans-Freeman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability. The University has various research groups and centres tackling global issues, including the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, QuakeCoRE and the Institute of Law, Emergencies and Disasters. 'Research plays a pivotal role in addressing the world's most urgent challenges,' says Professor Lucy Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation. 'Our strong performance in the THE Impact Rankings reflects the depth and relevance of our research and reinforces our responsibility to generate knowledge that informs and transforms communities, both locally and globally.' Sustainability is embedded across UC's academic programmes. Students engage with the SDGs through a range of qualifications, including the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and the Master's in Disaster Risk and Resilience, alongside a broad array of majors, minors, and courses that address complex global challenges. UC is proud to be hosting the United Nations8th Adaptation Futures Conferencelater this year, helping position Oceania and Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront of climate adaptation and allowing our people to demonstrate thought leadership while benefiting from high-level knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration opportunities created by this event.
