Inventor uses Iron Man-style jet suit as he enjoys the high life in Leeds

Richard’s Gravity Industries firm built the futuristic piece of human propulsion tech kit, which is fitted with body-mounted miniaturised engines and has a specially-designed exoskeleton for vertical take-off and flight.

Today’s event at the college’s Printworks Campus in Hunslet formed part of Leeds Digital Festival and was arranged by Prof Adam Beaumont, founder and chief executive of Leeds-based telecommunications company aql.

Prof Beaumont, who is also the founder and chief executive of NorthInvest, a not-for-profit company that connects new ventures with mentors and investors, said: “Bringing Richard and his team to Leeds will provide an exciting and real demonstration of what can be done with commitment and dedication.

“I’m hoping that seeing Richard fly will inspire our future young pioneers to follow their dreams.”

Today’s event also marked the launch of a new cross-regional initiative by aql that will bring together the public sector, transport operators and city stakeholders such as Citipark and the University of Leeds to explore the next generation of transport technology.

A four-seater driverless vehicle called the POD – created by British manufacturer Westfield Technologies – was at the Printworks Campus to highlight the progress being made by transport tech.