Australian and UK researchers and innovators have struck a new agreement to support opportunities to collaborate on modern manufacturing methods that could be adapted to shipbuilding and marine operations underway in both hemispheres.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Flinders University, the University of Strathclyde – operator of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland – and BAE Systems is a key step in the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Exchange, designed to 'foster closer working relationships and facilitate the development of international best practice for shipbuilding manufacturing methods and processes'.
This includes exploring innovative applications of advanced manufacturing, digital tools and Industry 4.0 in shipbuilding, spanning automation and robotics, simulation and modelling, materials and light weighting, as well as welding and joining technologies.
The MoU was formalised at a signing ceremony in Glasgow, where South Australia’s Deputy Premier Susan Close announced $120,000 would be invested to support the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Exchange.
An exchange of expertise and collaboration at the Factory of the Future at the Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is expected to open up prospects for the adoption of new manufacturing technologies and processes to support shipbuilding in South Australia (SA) and the UK.
Supporting advanced shipyards in both Adelaide and Glasgow, research arising from the MoU is intended to focus on facilitating the adoption of new technologies to bolster the Hunter Class Frigate Program, underway at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in SA, and the future shipbuilding programs at BAE Systems’ Govan yard on the River Clyde in Glasgow.
The parties say the exchange has the potential to lead to knowledge transfer and secondment opportunities between Australia and Scotland.