Software spins out

Software being launched by a University of Nottingham spin-out company is well positioned to make many industries much more efficient.

Aptia Solutions, the spin-out company in question, has developed software for automated layout. The software can be used to place shapes on a given material that are subsequently cut out. The underpinning algorithms, developed at The University of Nottingham and now incorporated into Aptia’s products, are able to produce better layouts than are currently possible — with a major cost-saving in terms of materials and reduction of waste.

Their approaches are suitable for a variety of materials including glass, sheet metal, precious metal, fabric, as well as many others.

Aptia Solutions, spun out from the School of Computer Science & Information Technology at The University of Nottingham, will be launching its first software products in April.

Based at Highfields Science and Technology Park, adjacent to the University Park campus, Aptia is strongly positioned for the future by securing the rights to the state-of-the-art automated layout technology developed at The University of Nottingham.

Glenn Whitwell, Aptia's Managing Director, said: "We are delighted to add the University's research to our own expertise. We still have strong links with the university and we expect this to provide a research and development arm to Aptia which is not only cost effective but it gives us access to the latest research in this important commercial area. This will allow us to provide innovative products that are world-leading in terms of their deliverables."

Professor Edmund Burke, Academic Director of the company and head of the School of Computer Science & IT at The University of Nottingham, said: “This development gives us the opportunity to build even stronger links between our research base and industrial practice.”

Aptia Solutions' website can be found at: http://www.aptiasolutions.com/