Local Motors announces successful outcome for Army CoCreate, a six-month proof-of-concept effort with the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force. The Army CoCreate initiative combined web-based and face-to-face collaboration to connect soldiers, civilians and makers, in the real-time design and development of Army equipment intended to enhance warfighter performance. The centerpiece of this effort was a co-creation website developed and managed by Local Motors exclusively for REF. The goal for this effort was to engage a broad, open audience to rapidly tackle real military challenges.
“This partnership with REF was about process not product. What we make today will not be remembered nearly as much as the change in the way we make it. The ability to drive real-time innovation and deliver actual products that improve Soldier performance in theater – when and where they need it most – is more than just an honor, it’s our duty,” said Jay Rogers, Local Motors CEO and former Infantry Company Commander with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Local Motors built, delivered and maintained the Army CoCreate platform; trained designated military and partner personnel to manage the community; facilitated two interactive Make-a-Thon events at the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) at Fort Benning, Georgia; and provided design and prototyping expertise for the featured Army CoCreate project.
The Army CoCreate community grew to 1,200 active members representing a mix of active duty Soldiers, veterans, engineers, designers and students, among others. In the end, more than 160 Soldier-focused ideas were generated.
Throughout the process, civilians and Soldiers were able continuously to engage on the Army CoCreate website. This interaction with the online community, combined with the making capabilities of REF’s Expeditionary lab successfully drove project innovations at the pace of conversation, enabling a complete, fully-functional prototype to be delivered in less than 30 days.
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