Young entrepreneurs follow the Dyson path

A robot for artisans who "hate computers", a leg cast that speeds up healing and a home water meter that can be installed without any plumbing experience are among the innovations created by student designers hoping to become the next Sir James Dyson.

Alex Du Preez is one of eight students at London's Royal College of Art who won a share of £30,000 to support their designs. His "Hand Made by Machines" project allows craft workers to benefit from manufacturing automation without using software or a computer interface. Photo: Jane Mingay

These inventions are the result of students from across the UK being supported with £60,000 worth of bursaries from the James Dyson Foundation, the vacuum cleaner entrepreneur's scheme to support the next generation of designers and engineers.

Alex Du Preez is one of eight students at London's Royal College of Art who won a share of £30,000 to support their designs.

His "Hand Made by Machines" project allows craft workers to benefit from manufacturing automation without using software or a computer interface.

A robotic arm simply copies and reproduces human hand movements. "You teach the robot what to do, flick the control into replay made and the machine repeats your movements," he said.

The 25 year-old revealed he was inspired by the fact that automation often means "you give up hands-on interaction with an object, which I thought was a great shame".

 "With this, a craftsman that hates computers could now programme a machine in five minutes. It could be a powerful creative tool."

Du Preez developed his invention with a £4,000 grant from the James Dyson Foundation.

Sir James said the students were an example of how "young minds are filled with a fervour to solve the world's problems".

"Industry should be snapping them up to reinvigorate tepid research and development laboratories," he said.

"We should nurture those who have entrepreneurial spirit too, turning fledgling ideas into patentable, exportable technology."

David Stevens, whose MuscleCast is designed to make leg fractures more comfortable to treat and quicker to heal, has no immediate plans to patent his innovation.

"It needs someone with medical expertise to develop it," he said. "Being able to pitch the idea freely will get me further. Being first to market, being involved and building trust is just as important as a patent."

His design, which includes integrated electrodes to stimulate blood flow and decrease the risk of clotting, was inspired by the slow healing of his house-mate's broken leg.

Jon Fraser, who has designed an easy to install home water meter inspired by air-flow meters on planes, is hoping his invention proves a good calling card. "One day I'd love to be working on my own stuff as a designer-entrepreneur, but 
for the moment I want to get experience –working in Dyson would be a great opportunity," he said.

All of the students will be entering this year's James Dyson awards, a global scheme which offers £10,000 to the world's 
most promising young inventor.