Protolabs, a provider of rapid manufacturing for low-volume 3D printed, CNC-machined, sheet metal, and injection-moulded custom parts for prototyping, has announced a collaboration with the UK’s rapidly growing facilities management company, Mindsett, to create PRISM, an intelligent asset monitoring device.
The PRISM device uses principles of behavioural science alongside advanced technology to enable customers to save at least 20% on energy bills. Additionally, it aims to alter users’ mindsets and foster long-term behavioural changes regarding energy consumption.
PRISM is installed directly onto a client’s distribution board and is capable of monitoring over 30 channels per device. Data is collected via Wi-Fi and fed into machine learning and artificial intelligence models. The synergy between these models allows the system to offer detailed asset and energy information in an accessible format, which can be used to modify behaviours and conserve energy.
Originally, the design of PRISM leveraged an overseas supply chain to benefit from cost efficiencies in China. However, the Mindsett team were uneasy about the potential environmental impact and thus partnered with Protolabs, based in the UK.
Protolabs was entrusted with injection moulding five components that constitute the casing of PRISM: a PCBA inner unit cover, a lower case, a button, a clear lens for an LED, and a top case.
“Most importantly, we weren’t happy with the environmental impact and ESG implications of manufacturing our exciting new product – a device that has ultimately been created to save a huge amount of energy and help our customers become more sustainable – thousands of miles away. The irony of that didn’t sit comfortably with us,” said Gemma Conway, Marketing Executive, Mindsett.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Mindsett in creating PRISM. This device has immense potential to save customers money and educate them on reducing energy consumption, and we were excited to be part of this initiative. Shifting the manufacturing strategy from overseas to the UK not only provided environmental benefits, but also allowed us to deliver in a timely and cost-effective manner,” added Robert Musselle, Customer Engineering Manager EMEA at Protolabs.
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