In April 2019 we were delighted to welcome an old friend back to KWMC for an inspiring morning of robotics, technology – and make-up!
Samantha Payne, co-founder of award-winning innovation company Open Bionics, met with students and teachers from Barton Hill Academy and explained how Open Bionics produces cutting-edge 3D-printed bionic arms for people across the UK.
Samantha grew up in Knowle West and was involved with KWMC for several years, as a volunteer and then as a staff member. In 2014 she co-founded Open Bionics, which is based in Bristol. She has since been named one of Forbes ’30 under 30′, a Bloomberg Business Innovator, and Wired Innovation Fellow, as well as receiving many other awards.
During her return visit to KWMC, Samantha was joined by 13 year old Tilly Lockey, an Open Bionics ambassador and inspirational speaker. As a baby, Tilly contracted meningococcal septicaemia and underwent an operation to have both of her hands amputated. Tilly shared her story with the students and gave a make-up demonstration to show the dexterity and flexibility of the Hero Arms that Open Bionics designed for her.
Samantha and Tilly’s talk was filmed by production company Hotel Hungaria for Toyota’s ‘Driven’ series, which explores the drive and ambition of innovators. Watch this space for the final film…
