Big Role for UT In Development of Smart Factories
January 7, 2016 | University of TwenteEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
Smart factories are fuelling the renewed interest in the manufacturing industry in Western Europe. A multitude of sensors continuously monitors the production process in these factories, but it’s not the raw data that makes them smart. In his recent inaugural lecture, Professor Ton van den Boogaard said that a truly smart factory can only really get off the ground once experts have analysed and evaluated the data. He holds the chair in Nonlinear Solid Mechanics. This group has developed models for the mechanical behaviour of materials. In his lecture, Prof. Van den Boogaard explained the unique combination of expertise at the University of Twente, and how it is helping to drive the smart factory concept.
“All that factory-generated data is meaningless if you don’t know how to use it effectively,” states Van den Boogaard. “Our simulation models play a crucial role in processing all that data, and the unique combinations of academic disciplines in Twente really help to galvanize their success.”
One of a kind in the Netherlands
Van den Boogaard’s interests go far beyond his own field of mechanics. “Control engineers and model makers have to work closely together on model-based control systems in smart factories. So I maintain solid links with the other chairs in Twente such as Mechanical Automation, Production Engineering and Tribology. Our joint motto is ‘Manufacturing the Future’. This focus on the manufacturing industry makes us unique in the Netherlands. We have lots of other key ingredients for the smart factory concept right here in Twente, too. The department of Design Engineering focuses on the relationship between design and manufacturing. Research groups in other faculties are studying and developing sensors, data processing technology and embedded systems. And finally, this university of technology also has a Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, whose researchers are studying the socio-technical aspects of smart factories, which involves embedding new technologies in society and their social acceptance. These activities, together with our new Science Based Engineering programme, make UT ideally equipped to play a major role in the development of smart factories, in keeping with our High-Tech, Human Touch theme.
Page 1 of 2
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/17/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, trade shows are at the top of our feed, with our coverage of the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show and IPC APEX EXPO. These two longtime events are almost polar opposites in size and scope, but Del Mar seems to be expanding from its roots as a “neighborhood gathering” with its move into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar show always has a good “buzz factor,” which is something you can’t buy.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Insulectro on Attracting Young Talent to the Electronics Manufacturing Industry
05/16/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOInsulectro's Doug Gotelli and Mitchell Benson explore the challenges of drawing young talent into the electronics manufacturing industry. They underscore the significance of manufacturing and the urgency of tackling the workforce shortage. They also discuss internship programs, the industry's resilience amid the pandemic, and the rewarding experiences of working in this sector.
Siemens, Foxconn Team Up to Optimize Forward-thinking Manufacturing
05/16/2024 | FoxconnSiemens AG, a leading technology company, and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation and sustainability in smart manufacturing platforms.
TRI Opens New Manufacturing Facility
05/16/2024 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, announced that it has opened a state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facility.
SEMICON West 2024 to Spotlight U.S. Chip Industry Investments, Supply Chain Resilience, Talent, and Global Growth and Innovation
05/15/2024 | SEMISEMICON West 2024 will gather industry experts and leaders July 9-11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco for insights into the latest trends and innovations in sustainability, supply chain management, workforce development and other critical industry issues.