MANUFACTURING firms in Northern Ireland are being urged to take part in a new series of government-funded workshops to introduce the technologies, tools and techniques of Industry 4.0 in their workplace.
The FutureScope 'Experiment' initiative marks the first step in a five-year journey by local nano technology consortium Smart Nano NI (www.smartnanoni.com) to further the development of smart manufacturing in the north.
The initiative is being delivered by Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, as part of the consortium.
Participants in Experiment will be able to access a series of free learning sessions to enable them to identify challenges and opportunities affecting their businesses, and gain the necessary skills to work towards the creation of a proposal for a prototype smart technologies solution.
Brendan Lowry, innovation partner from Digital Catapult, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the development of smart manufacturing here. With its proud manufacturing heritage, links to the UK and Europe, and a fast-growing innovation ecosystem, Northern Ireland stands out as a frontrunner to maximise the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0.
“Experiment will help to further the process of enabling the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland to take advantage of the substantial market opportunities offered by smart technologies, as well as the economic and environmental efficiencies which they can offer.”
Digital Catapult is seeking applications for the initiative from manufacturing businesses from all sectors through an open call which will run until September 13. Applications are open to manufacturers at an early stage in their smart manufacturing journey or those keen to find out more about smart technologies and their uses.
Over the 12 week Experiment programme, participants will learn about the basic principles and functionality of cutting-edge smart technologies such as nanotechnology, blockchain, 5G and augmented reality, as well as their use cases and market potential.
Expert technologists from Digital Catapult and Smart Nano NI will support participants with feedback on feasibility and practical requirements to ensure graduates' outcomes are targeted and actionable.
Smart Nano NI will develop game-changing advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing methods to deliver new technologies, supporting innovation-led economic growth, both in the area and nationally, as well as enhancing local research and innovation collaborations.
Dean Cook, Innovate UK's director for place and levelling up said: “Experiment, which harnesses expertise from across the Smart Nano NI consortium, will help to drive forward new advances in the field of smart manufacturing.
“It is supported by a £42 million UKRI Strength in Places Fund investment and will catalyse further growth in Northern Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, delivering economic benefits that will be felt across the UK.
“It is one of many examples of how UKRI investment into innovation clusters is supporting the government’s levelling up agenda.”
Digital Catapult will host a live in-person briefing session on the initiative at Ormeau Baths in Belfast on Wednesday August 17 which will offer manufacturers the chance to hear from leaders in the smart manufacturing sector and to see what smart manufacturing can do for their business and their clients.
