Why the UK could lead the way for Industry 4.0
The North West of the UK is a technological key driver. Lu Rahman looks at why this may benefit the UK’s uptake of Industry 4.0.
The fourth industrial revolution is a current buzzword. Discussions on Industry 4.0 are evident at all major events as the manufacturing sector attempts to understand how best to integrate disruptive, digital and automated technologies into existing systems. The aim is to increase opportunities, revenue and output but as with any new process, it’s not without its challenges.
Previous industrial revolutions have led to a rise in productivity. However, the fourth time around we are seeing a convergence of different technologies. The UK supply chain can be fragmented making the adoption of technology harder, but not impossible.
Healthcare has been quick on the uptake with technologies such as automation and 3D printing already in use. Thanks to the rise of digital health technologies, increasing numbers of companies have explored the possibilities of artificial intelligence, big data and virtual reality.
The UK is well-placed to lead the charge for Industry 4.0 though there is still work to be done. The Life Sciences Industrial Strategy, announced in 2017, aims to develop its strength in the sector and boost the country’s economic growth. The report recommended a number of measures which included increased collaboration with the NHS and the development of Digital Innovation Hubs for data, with the hope of attracting investment to manufacturers.
Chairman of the committee, Lord Patel, said: “If implemented correctly the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy will make a major contribution to the future economic prosperity of the UK but what became clear throughout our inquiry is that it stands little chance of success without a detailed plan for implementation and clear lines of authority, responsibility and accountability.
“The government has an opportunity right now to get ahead of international competition. It can, and must, take bold steps to secure the future growth and expansion of the life sciences sector. This is even more vital as the UK prepares for life outside the European Union.”
England’s North West drive
In the UK, hubs of expertise are pushing the uptake of Industry 4.0 into the wider manufacturing sphere. One of these is Sci-Tech Daresbury. It believes Industry 4.0 will drive change in the following ways:
Via intelligent technology – this is data driven, providing insight that will not just generate predictions but provide guidance;
Connectivity – a digitally connected world where machines and digital tools will communicate and connect with each other – not just inside a set location but remotely;
Autonomy – as technology develops, more tasks will be automated. Robots will take on more labour-intensive tasks and we’ll see a greater use of Artificial Intelligence so these machines self-learn;
New business models – the availability of technology will see businesses change dramatically offering new ways of operating.
Life sciences has been identified as one of the key sectors relevant to the idealogy driving 4.0. Sci-Tech Daresbury is well placed to push the initiative via the R&D being carried out at the science park from a variety of companies and partners.
Sci-Tech Daresbury is also home to the one of the world’s largest supercomputers, the Hartree Centre. This is a leading centre working with industry on applying big data and AI technologies, the Virtual Engineering Centre.
The centre aims to help SMEs get ready for Industry 4.0. Andrew Borland, commercialisation manager, Virtual Engineering Centre recognises that: “SMEs are having to work smarter and productivity can be problematic.”
The North West of the UK is a particular hub for pushing the concept and benefits of Industry 4.0. Launched in 2016, Liverpool’s LCR.40 programme aims to help 300 regional SMEs explore the challenges of Industry 4.0 with a view to increasing productivity and de-risking innovation.
The implementation of Industry 4.0 is not without its challenges. David Moss, digital programme manager, Siemens R&D, recently highlighted that while it has the potential to boost the UK economy by something in the region of £500 billion and create job growth, finding people with the digital skills for the future, may be a key challenge. He believes the North West has the ability to overcome this but a culture change may be required - the market needs to find ways to allow people to come out of their comfort zones and buy in the technological / culture change.