The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre has been praised by the UK government for its role in opening-up new markets for British innovation.
The AMRC has formed a partnership with one of the most dynamic manufacturing region in South Korea, Gyeongsan City.
The collaboration will result in the creation of the AMRC Asia’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Centre.
The centre was described by Universities Minister, Jo Johnson, as an “excellent example of the science and innovation links” between the two countries and marked the “next important step forward” in making the new centre a reality.
Executive director of the AMRC Group, professor Keith Ridgway commented: “Our ambition for the AMRC and the Sheffield City Region is to be a globally recognised centre of excellence for manufacturing research and innovation.
“But, to be a world leader in technology, you need access to world leading intellect. That’s why we are working with our colleagues in Korea in a collaborative venture that will bring benefits to both our countries, and both our regions.”
Ridgway continued: “This new [Fourth Industrial Revolution] requires the smart use of sensors to collect data, and clever analytics to decipher that data in a way that drives improvements in the performance of machines and people.
“It means more automation, freeing workers from repetitive and often arduous tasks to do more productive, value-added work. It means greater connectivity: connecting supply chains and increasing quality and delivery performance.”
While these technologies will radically change business models, Ridgway said the fundamentals of manufacturing will never change, “It is still about making things, and making things well”.
Gyeongsan Province is recognised for being home to some of the largest and most influential companies in their respective markets, according to Johnson, including: the steel, shipbuilding, energy and automotive industries, as well as the equally important cluster of innovative supply chain companies supporting these industries.
Executive director of the AMRC Group, professor Keith Ridgway, was highlighted as an exemplar of industry in The Manufacturer Top 100 2017 report, sponsored by Salesforce.
The Manufacturer Top 100 is an annual list of the UK’s most inspiring and influential individuals working in manufacturing.
Download your free copy of the report by clicking here.
