An automated, self-contained miniature factory, developed by the Universities of Birmingham and Loughborough in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre, is set to help SMEs access the next generation of manufacturing techniques.<\/p>\n
Called Factory in a Box (FIAB), the initiative provides intelligent factories that can be distributed, linked and centrally controlled.<\/p>\n
Contained within a unit the size of a shipping container, the factories are quickly deployable, flexible to use and can be rapidly scaled. They are fully digital and can be linked to a central control centre with remote monitoring and predictive maintenance capability.<\/p>\n
FIAB is part of a new Smart Manufacturing Accelerator, set up by the partnership to bring smart, digitally-driven manufacturing within the grasp of SMEs.<\/p>\n
Known as the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, these methods have the potential to revolutionise the way manufacturing is done, providing state-of-the-art manufacturing, but also connecting intelligently to the supply chain and customer to optimise production.<\/p>\n
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) together with partners University of Birmingham and Loughborough University have taken this principle to create the FIAB manufacturing approach. This is a project supported through the Energy Research Accelerator project, funded by Innovate-UK. This project has potentially significant impact within the Midlands region in terms of delivering jobs, growth and productivity.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the Factory in a Box (FIAB) initiative, the University of Birmingham\u2019s Professor Martin Freer, who is Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute and the Energy Research Accelerator said: \u201cFactory in a Box is a ground-breaking initiative which an exciting opportunity for small companies to rapidly transition from technology developer to providing a product stream to market. It supports small companies developing step change energy technologies in having a real impact in terms of the global transition to a low carbon energy generation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Industry thought-leaders, academia, partners and stakeholders will come together on Wednesday 13th March for the official launch of the SMA and FIAB Box demonstration.<\/p>\n
Hosted by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Ansty Park, Coventry, the one-day event is designed to encourage collaboration, networking and learning.
\nDelegates will receive a unique opportunity to experience the innovative implementation of industrial digital technologies.<\/p>\n
Attendees will be given a live tour and demonstration of the FIAB, discover how industrial digital technologies can change the way businesses operate, as well as access interactive workshops and high-level presentations.<\/p>\n
Research from the University of Birmingham has been applied by the MTC and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) to deliver the SMA and FIAB which has been funded by Innovate UK.<\/p>\n
The SMA supports those at the forefront of adopting digital manufacturing within their organisations.<\/p>\n