Flinders Australian Industrial Transformation Institute hosted staff from TAFE SA for two days of Industry 4.0 training in early July, exposing them to emerging technologies and building knowledge through theory and practical examples.
Tours of Seeley International, Schneider Electric and the Tonsley Manufacturing Innovation Hub demonstrated Industry 4.0 technologies in use, together with virtual reality walk-throughs of cyber-physical systems.
Following adaption to computerisation, Industry 4.0 is all about optimising the use of computers and incorporating new technologies.
Cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things and Systems are working together to create smarter, more efficient factories and knowledge of cutting-edge technology and applications is essential to keep local manufacturing competitive.
“Working with the VET sector and providing professional development training in Industry 4.0 is important in equipping the Australian workforce with skills for advanced manufacturing, and in creating the jobs and industries of the future,” says Associate Professor in Innovation Giselle Rampersad, from the College of Science and Engineering.
“It also demonstrates Flinders continued leadership in Industry 4.0.”
Some of the University’s most knowledgeable contributors in this field shared their expertise with the group, including Director of the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute and Pro-Vice Chancellor Research Impact at Flinders Professor John Spoehr, Director of Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology Professor David Lewis, Tonsley Manufacturing Innovation Hub manager Colin Thomas, Dr Amir Zanj and Dr Mark Dean.
They were joined by Michael Haddy, SA Director at the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre.
TAFE participants said the experience was extremely valuable and thanked Flinders staff for the opportunity and their great hospitality. Comments included: “We are all embracing different aspects to these technologies, but together we present a better value for our students overall.”