Future Tech Weston

Weston College and the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT), have announced that they will be hosting a ‘Future Tech Weston’ event in partnership with North Somerset Council, at the Winter Gardens and on the Italian Gardens from the 16th – 18th July. There will be a Press day on 15th July for those interested in using the POD for transport solutions.

The 3-day event which is free to attend, aims to showcase potential future technology and demonstrate to businesses and residents what the future holds in terms of potential jobs.

Greener methods of transport will help to reduce carbon emissions and increase environmental sustainability. Promoting future innovations for eco-friendly travel, falls directly within the College's ethos and commitment to creating brighter and greener futures. 

Working with AECOM and Westfield Capri project (a collaborative research and development project awarded by The Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles), the public will have the chance to experience a ride in the autonomous Westfield POD, which will provide a demonstration of how it works and a short trip around the pre-defined route in the Italian Gardens by the Sovereign Centre . The POD is a 4-6-seater, electric powered vehicle which can be manually driven, via externally connected joystick, or automatically along a predefined route.

This experience is free and bookable via this link - attendees will also get the opportunity to view the Electric Chesil E, and a Westfield Drone.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity, and one which I am sure will capture the attention of people across the region.

“We believe that it is vitally important to be promoting aspects such as future green technology and showcase the exciting career opportunities there are for our communities.

“I would also like to mention how proud I am of our Computing learners, who have worked closely with Westfield on the coding and the development of Westfield’s autonomous vehicles – something I can’t wait to try out!”

You can find out more about this event, and book into one of the sessions to experience the POD, here.