Islanders will have the opportunity to experience the latest in fabrication technology during a special visit by Normandy’s Manche Lab on 20 September.
The Manche Lab is a mobile fabrication lab which allows rapid prototyping of objects and designs. The lab typically visits French businesses and communities within the Department of La Manche and Cotentin peninsula to demonstrate the new possibilities of digital manufacture. It is equipped with a 3D printer, 3D scanner, laser cutter and CNC milling machine. Members of the public will be able to visit the Manche Lab in the Market Square where the team will be providing equipment demonstrations and explaining their different applications.
The arrival of the Manche Lab forms part of National Coding Week, a free annual event designed to inspire adults to improve their digital skills. The week will be celebrated at the Digital Greenhouse with a series of events and activities that highlight the diversity of digital technology.
The visit has been arranged by the Digital Greenhouse and the Bureau des Iles Anglo-Normandes, representatives of the Governments of the Channel Islands in France and is one of the many positive outcomes of the cooperation between Guernsey, Jersey, the department of La Manche and the region of Normandy. Speaking about the visit, Lucy Witham, Head of Digital, Economic Development said:
“This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to experience innovative technologies and be inspired by the Fab Lab. We are very pleased to be working with our French colleagues to provide this hands-on digital showcase as part of the celebrations of National Coding Week.”
Véronique Bidan, Lab Manager, Manche Numérique said:
“The Manche Lab has proven to be highly popular across Normandy, and we’re excited to be able to share it with Guernsey. Digital transformation brings with it many opportunities for all our communities; we hope that this collaboration will encourage others to explore these new fabrication technologies.”
The Manche Lab will be based in Market Square, St Peter Port on 20 September and will be open from 11:30am – 4:30pm, entry is free.
