Today we started our morning off with Magnus and Helen at Qualisys. Magnus Sjolin is the Market Area Director and Helen Holmquist Ryden is the Global Marketing and Communication Manager. Qualisys’ mission is “To be the world’s preferred partner in creating performance enhancing motion capture through technical analysis”. Qualisys is a leader in motion capture technology. They produce 2,000 to 2,005 camera’s per year and are used in the biomechanics, engineering, sports, animal biomechanics and entertainment industries.
Some of their most well known customers are Harvard University, BMW, the Olympics and the U.S. Military. They started as a hardware company in 1989 but they are now a solutions provider. They are the only company that offers motion capture cameras that can be used under water. There technology enables athletes, coaches and scientists to study and analyze the science behind sports. We were able to watch a demonstration of how their program works during our visit today.
Our classmate Robby volunteered as the test subject for the demonstration today. Robby had “markers” placed all over him in key points that would analyze his running. These markers mapped out a 3D version of him into a computer program that would be able to measure Robby’s strides and form in order to reach peak performance.
We briefly were able to see how their technology is used for entertainment and animation as well. Matt, Nicole and Sam were able to try on the suits and markers that are used when make an animation. Unfortunately due to some technical difficulties and running short on time, we could not see the program in full effect but it was still fascinating to see the work that goes into some of the video games that we commonly see around.
Magnus and Helen were wonderful guests. This was the first time that Qualisys had Carthage students visit their location. We all hope that future classes are able to experience all the work that they are doing at their site.
After lunch with Qualisys we headed to SKF. SKF products are not usually visible but they are vital to the functionality of machines and plants. It was founded in 1907 during the first industrial revolution by Sven Wingquist, who invented the self-aligning ball bearing, in Gamlestaden, Gothenburg. SKF has had the same logo since 1909 which stands for Swedish Ball Bearing Factory.
Their mission is to create a world of reliable rotation. They have a large focus on the environment and sustainability. Their products can be refurbished and their products life span can constantly be extended. They also focus on minimizing transport of their products as much as possible and do so by shipping from the closest manufacturing plant where an order is placed from. With 130 locations in 32 countries and distributors in 17,000 locations that is not a hard task for them.
SKF has a deep appreciation for employee ideas and innovation. Their success is due to constant innovation and creating products that will still be needed in 10 years from now. There focus on continuing the improvement of the products that they already have out sets them apart. Their quality also puts them ahead of their competition. SKF’s ability to constantly think outside the box and their hard work is what their success can be accredited to. Their dedication to their employees and their ideas really shine through at the company. Who knew that ball bearings were everywhere?
After a long day of two great company visits we all headed back to the hostel. Tonight was my turn to navigate us back and luckily I didn’t get us lost! Today we reviewed our blogs and looked for areas of improvement. For those of you reading I’d love your feedback!
Tonight was an open dinner so Jackson, Cam, Peyton and I stayed nearby to get an early night. We went to “Restaurant Da Vinci” which is an italian restaurant right around the corner from our hostel. I was able to enjoy their Bella pizza. Sweden really likes their carbs and it was delicious.
Tomorrow we will be visiting Volvo and hopefully seeing a crash test!
3 Takeaways
- Robby is nearly a perfect runner despite being put on the spot
- SKF helped their employees start their own union to ensure the needs of their employees were being met.
- Sometimes you need to be nervous.
Leslye's Travels 