Reversing UK manufacturing’s poor record for adopting new technology will be tackled head-on at MACH 2024 as The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) launches its new Knowledge Hubs initiative, showcasing how to adopt new technology to improve productivity and efficiency.
The programme showcases new technology that is readily available to UK manufacturers, helping them to understand the potential adopting such technology can bring to their operation.
The Knowledge Hubs initiative will have dedicated stands across the event, each focusing on a particular type of technology including automation and robotics, sustainable solutions, additive manufacturing, consumable tooling, and data and artificial intelligence. In recognition of the importance being placed on these hubs, each is being managed by one of the specialist centres from the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, such as the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
The Catapult network is recognised for its R&D work being conducted at its various centres. The network collaborates with thousands of innovative businesses across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, space, health, digital, energy, transport, telecoms, the urban environment and many others.
The MTA, which organises the MACH event has been campaigning for greater adoption of new technology for some time. It will expand upon this at MACH 2024, which opens its doors at the NEC in Birmingham on 15th April, by explaining that implementing proven, readily available techniques in manufacturing processes is the fastest way to boost the UK’s output.
James Selka DL, CEO of the MTA, said: “The MTA is part of a united front of UK manufacturing organisations, along with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and MACH 2024 Headline Sponsor Lloyds Bank, to increase the uptake of technologies such as automation and robotics. Only by embracing what the hubs are trying to achieve will the UK restore its position as a sovereign manufacturer, re-establishing itself as a major player on the global stage. To have brand-agnostic input from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult network, running our Knowledge Hubs, is an indication of the importance these organisations place on our initiative. Combined with the ability to see advanced technology, live and in action, in a fully working state – MACH 2024 is a must-visit for all the UK’s manufacturing community.”
The need for this approach was recently brought into sharp focus in a new report highlighting the UK’s lack of investment in technology and its poor adoption of robotics in industry. The figures, from the International Federation of Robotics, showed the UK languishing outside the top 20 developed nations.
MTC Chief Automation Officer, Mike Wilson, commented: “Robotics and automation is key to solving the UK’s productivity puzzle. This underpinning technology will help manufacturers achieve high productivity and net zero aspirations while solving some of the UK’s labour shortage issues.”
The Sustainable Solutions Knowledge Hub, sponsored by Lloyds Bank, will guide manufacturers on how investing in energy-efficient technology now, backed by government incentives, can help offset energy cost increases, improve business fitness for the future and help balance the ‘cost of doing business’.
The Additive Manufacturing Knowledge Hub is designed to help visitors learn how to develop, adopt and use additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology in their processes. Expert advice and wayfinding will be on offer from AM-UK on how to utilise the technology for making production parts and products directly from design data – building accurate components to obtain the final shape with minimal waste.
The Consumable Tooling Knowledge Hub is where visitors should head to receive impartial advice on how to optimise their machining processes and deal with machining challenges. The Hub will offer advice on matching the most suitable cutting tool material and insert geometry with the workpiece material to be machined, through key considerations such as cutting data.
The Data and AI Knowledge Hub will explore how SMEs can use this technology to drive growth and innovation in manufacturing by measuring the output of their current operation, looking for opportunities to improve and ensuring supply meets demand. The Knowledge Hub aims to provide advice and wayfinding, addressing the manufacturing applications that can be supported by data, technology and automated processes.
