The AMRC Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG) is unveiling a new opportunity for smaller companies to more easily conduct research into machining and assembly technologies on a new “reconfigurable factory” research cell.
Factory 2050 was built for IMG to conduct collaborative research with industrial and academic partners into reconfigurable robotic, digitally assisted assembly and part inspection technologies.
With the introduction of a reconfigurable factory demonstrator, SMEs will have access to a generic research and development cell, where they can work with IMG engineers on manufacturing projects designed to take the risk out of trialling new technologies and processes before putting them into production.
The cell will be able to accommodate projects spanning the trialling of new robotic assembly techniques for mass customisation or even small batch manufacturing techniques, small component assembly, and finish machining and polishing operations.
Says IMG operations manager Chris Greaves: “The cell will be able to be reconfigured to the specific requirements of an SME with a shorter lead time. This will allow easier, quicker and more affordable engagement for SMEs.
“Our aim is to create more effective engagement and greater open access for SMEs; businesses who may not have the resources to join the AMRC as a member, but still want to take advantage of our state of the art capabilities and world-class research to improve their processes and outputs.”
IMG said that it wants small businesses to think of the AMRC as a sandpit, where they can prove-out automation or robotics, or new manufacturing processes at low-cost and with low-risk.
Adds Greaves: “Projects don’t have to be long running or expensive to make big changes in short amounts of time. Even small projects requiring a short-lead time can be cost-effective and contribute to the improving productivity of a company.
“Factory 2050 is the place where businesses can come and interact with the technologies driving the 4th industrial revolution and work with us to understand what to invest in to achieve the best value and productivity.
“Simply put, the UK relies heavily on the success of SMEs. The AMRC want to help SMEs invest in the future and explore how new technologies can help improve production, helping UK businesses remain competitive on national and international markets.”
The new research cell will be up and running towards the end of autumn in 2017 and IMG is encouraging any smaller manufacturing business who is interested working with them to get in contact.
