New research ties to advance modern manufacturing

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 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 Australian 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 would open up prospects for the adoption of groundbreaking manufacturing technologies and processes, potentially driving the growth of advanced manufacturing for shipbuilding in South Australia and the UK, according to Flinders University.

Supporting advanced shipyards in both Adelaide and Glasgow, any innovative research arising from the MoU is intended to focus on facilitating the adoption of new technologies deployed effectively 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.

It has the potential to lead to knowledge transfer and secondment opportunities between Australia and Scotland.

“We thank the South Australian Government, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and wider Strathclyde University, and BAE Systems Australia for their valuable support,” said Professor Colin Stirling, President and Vice-Chancellor, Flinders University. “In particular, the SA Government’s crucial foundational investment will be the catalyst for vital research placing local and international shipbuilding at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing, ensuring our researchers at Tonsley can collaborate in the exchange of ideas delivering real-world improvements in manufacturing technology with the UK’s best and brightest experts.

“Knowing firsthand the quality of research in Glasgow, it’s great to see our experts at Flinders University’s Australian Industrial Transformation Institute (AITI) working with the University of Strathclyde and BAE Systems, reinforcing the importance of industry collaboration by actively supporting the shipbuilding industry with solutions benefiting both the UK and Australian naval industries.”

“Underpinning advanced shipbuilding research and industry collaboration in Australia and the UK, this agreement is bolstered by funding enabling postdoctoral researcher exchange and the sharing of specialised digital and advanced manufacturing skills to support the digital shipyard agenda,” said Professor John Spoehr, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research Innovation and Director of the AITI. “Collaboration with BAE Systems ensures researchers at Flinders University and Strathclyde are engaging with the latest modern manufacturing processes on large-scale shipbuilding which can directly benefit from the accelerated adoption of new and innovative technologies, like those made possible by our joint research expertise.

“Supported by $19 million from the federal and state governments, the Factory of the Future at Flinders University’s Tonsley campus facilitates the deployment of advanced technologies through world-leading research and capability building, in support of South Australian and UK shipyards and supply chains.”

“I am delighted to sign this agreement which enables our innovative research to directly link into modern manufacturing and has huge potential long-term benefits for the shipbuilding sector, both here in Scotland and in Australia,” said Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde. “As a leading technological university, we are committed to delivering impact and to see our research deliver cutting-edge solutions and improve practice in industry across Scotland and the UK, as well as internationally.

“I look forward to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and wider University of Strathclyde working closely with our partners BAE Systems and Flinders University, to help develop international best practice and new technologies to strengthen shipbuilding manufacturing. This partnership also opens up a potential pipeline for collaborative research, knowledge exchange, high-impact innovative solutions, and opportunities in education and training between the two countries.”

Image: Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, SA Deputy Premier Susan Close, Sharon Wilson and Professor Sir Jim McDonald at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.