Cobra Simulation, the innovative Scottish company behind a new technology that could revolutionise training simulation for airline pilots and the military, is to feature on Channel 5’s The Gadget Show tonight, Monday 25 November.
Based in Livingston at the Alba Innovation Centre, a Scottish Enterprise funded project, Cobra Simulation was founded in 2012 by Alexander Bradley in order to develop, manufacture and market a ground-breaking new ‘2D/3D wraparound’ display solution.
Flight simulation markets alone were worth approx $3.2 Billion in 2012, and estimated to grow to $9.6 billion by 2018. Having previously been involved in a business specialising in flight simulation, Cobra’s founders identified a gap in the market and developed the Cobra Curved Display, the world’s first panadome spherical projection screen to use a single projector. The product uses the latest in first surface mirror technology and image warping software to provide an enhanced, immersive viewing experience.
Cobra’s managing director, Alexander Bradley says: “The difference in experience between traditional simulators and our screens is similar to that which you would feel if you compared a standard movie theatre with an IMAX cinema. Our screens make you feel like you are part of the action and with the ultra hd projectors when they become mainstream next year, it is as close as you can get to real life. I’m delighted that we have had the chance to showcase our technology on a programme with the reputation and following of The Gadget Show.”
A highly portable, easy-to-assemble and cost effective solution, the product has a wide range of potential applications in addition to flight and automotive simulation including home entertainment (gaming and 3D movie viewing), business (remote video conferencing and training), as well as military and educational uses. As such, the Cobra Curved Display has a huge potential global market.
Before approaching Alba Innovation Centre, lack of business premises and limited start-up funds meant that Mr Bradley was hosting demonstrations in the front room of his home.
As a result of the support provided by the team at Alba Innovation Centre, Cobra Simulation has raised more than £75K in private investment and secured grant funding from Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International worth a total of £7,500
“I can honestly say that we couldn’t have achieved what we have so far without the help and support of the Alba Innovation Centre,” adds Mr Bradley. “The Centre and its advisors have been like extra members of the Cobra team. The level and range of support supplied has been absolutely invaluable to the company’s growth.”
Peter Andrew, Head of incubation and innovation support at Innovation Centres Scotland, which manages Alba Innovation Centre on behalf of Scottish Enterprise, says: “Technology innovation is hugely important for Scotland’s future and Cobra Simulation is a fantastic example of an ambitious Scottish start up with the potential for massive growth on the world stage.”
The company has also expanded into a new production facility in Bathgate, where the curved display units are assembled from component parts, sourced and supplied from sub-contractors all over the world. The company formally went into production in early 2013.
Cobra Simulation has also now established and is continuing to develop a global network of resellers and has recently completed orders for display units from the US, the UK, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Portugal and New Zealand.
