New Knowledge Hubs initiative at MACH 2024 identifies when manufacturers should adopt new technology , designed to improve productivity , efficiency and reduce costs
MACH SHOW PREVIEW KNOWLEDGE HUBS
MACH 2024
New Knowledge Hubs initiative at MACH 2024 identifies when manufacturers should adopt new technology , designed to improve productivity , efficiency and reduce costs
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 in manufacturing .
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 , as well as when to adopt it and how to implement it to best effect .
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 the cutting-edge research and development 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 on behalf of the engineering-based manufacturing community , 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 in terms of the global utilisation of industrial robots in manufacturing – lagging not just behind the economic superpowers , but also the likes of Spain and Finland .
The Automation and Robotics Knowledge Hub will showcase how easily the technology can be adopted into existing manufacturing operations , automating repeatable processes , improving accuracy and consistency , and reducing repetitive and monotonous tasks .
For further information , please visit www . machexhibition . com
30 PECM Issue 67