Sutton’s Seeds’ first contact with Semelab concerned their requirement to count flower seeds (picture opposite) at high speed and with high precision. The original design of the detector was passed to Semelab's eco-Systems Division personnel and we conducted an initial feasibility study, evaluating all types of flower seeds, suitable detection methods and transport methods to present the seeds to the detector. It became apparent during this study that conventional transport systems would not be fast enough to satisfy the stated requirement of counting 300 seeds per second.

Our solution was a custom designed seed transport and counter. Sutton’s Seeds and Semelab have jointly applied for a patent on this method of transporting and counting seeds or similar small objects.

The first seed counter is now delivered and operational at Sutton’s Seeds, Torquay. The development of the equipment is ongoing with the planned incorporation of additional detectors to add sorting capability to the basic seed counter.

Semelab's eco-Systems Division was commissioned by Electric Vehicle Technology to design an additional safety feature onto their electric disability vehicles. This device would prevent an inexperienced or incapacitated driver losing control and running into pedestrians, walls or other obstacles.

Our solution consisted of twin ultrasonic ranging detectors fitted front and rear. An associated micro-processor monitors the vehicle's speed and, if an object is sensed within the minimum stopping distance of the vehicle, automatically applies the brake.

We were commissioned to design, style and develop a remote control relay for use with audio/visual equipment. The device detects the signal from a conventional IR remote control unit and relays this via the household electric mains wiring to a companion unit that mimics the original IR remote control.
We explored the style of the unit with our industrial designers and developed a computer model of the device.

This model was used to produce a true replica using rapid prototyping methods.

These methods enabled us to produce limited numbers of the product in a resin that matched optically and mechanically the final moulding material - at a fraction of the usual prototyping cost.

Semelab were contracted to assist in the industrial design of a 2-D barcode reader. The initial evaluation involving Semelab's Systems Division personnel explored the manufacturing tolerances for the device’s critical components. A number of different style concepts were explored until a final form for the reader was selected.

A limited number of ‘look, feel and function’ replicas were made to enable the customer to fully evaluate the ergonomics of the proposed design.