Our brief was to develop an automated connection device for the ‘last mile’ of a telecommunication network. The ‘last mile’ is the final connection between a communications provider and their customer, usually a switch box close to the customer's home.

The existing solution requires a telecoms operative to go to the specific switch box and physically change the connections. However because this task has to be done each time there is a new user or an additional service it requires a significant amount of time and effort. A situation made worse by the fact that in many larger cities accurate plans of the current status of connectivity don’t exist. The new device enables these connections to be made and modified remotely whilst giving the operator an overview of which connections are in use.

Our client had a preliminary concept and prototype for such an automatic matrix connector. Utilising our knowledge of gearing, mechanics and polymers we designed a device that radically improved the performance whilst reducing the weight and cost. Then by selecting components, materials and suppliers, and by optimising the production tooling, we played a significant role in the industrialisation the final product.