Advanced Manufacturing and The Fourth Revolution

Christchurch TechWeek Headline Event Shows off Advanced Manufacturing and The Fourth Revolution

25 May 2018

TechWeek has shown off and discussed a range of technology across the country – today it's advanced manufacturing's turn. The Christchurch Headline Event, The Fourth Revolution, is showcasing the exciting work which is being done and the opportunities new technology holds for the manufacturing sector.

The Manufacturers’ Network partnered with TechWeek to bring this event to Christchurch, hosted at the Tait Technology Centre.

“The Fourth Revolution refers to the next wave of technology which may bring dramatic changes in how businesses and customers operate, akin to the Internet or Industrial revolutions of the past. For manufacturing, this means the increasing use of automation, robots and cobots, 3D printing and visualization techniques like AR and VR in a wider context of digitalisation of manufacturing processes, from initial concept to production, to ongoing customer services.” Said Dr Dieter Adam, Chief Executive of The Manufacturers’ Network.

“The daylong event features 25 speakers across a range of different fields in technology, manufacturing and engineering. One of the key insights which is becoming clear is how much computers and digital processes have taken hold even in the smallest of manufacturing businesses.

“One keynote speaker was David Chuter, CEO and managing director of the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC) in Melbourne. David discussed Perception vs. Reality in High Tech Manufacturing, pulling from his experience in Australia to give a realistic view of where we are at in the use of new technology and what opportunities and risks it holds for New Zealand.

“Later in the day Professor Olaf Diegel from Sweden will demonstrate the exciting opportunities to be creative with materials in 3D printing, opening our eyes to completely new ways to design and manufacture known objects, like electric guitars, and create new objects many of us haven’t even thought of.

“Manufacturing is critical to the New Zealand economy, at 12% ($23b) of GDP and provides jobs for one in ten people who are employed. While technology may change the nature of some jobs in our economy and manufacturing, it will also increase the range of skills needed and open up opportunities for young people to harness their talent to create things and be part of innovation in the manufacturing sector.” Said Dr Adam.

A webcast of the Headline event can be steamed online now here.

ENDS

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