March 2019

www.smartmachinesandfactories.com March 2019 | 19 | | FEATURES | all manufacturing jobs in the USA were lost between 2001 and 2009. In 2014, the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), also known as Manufacturing USA, was announced by president Obama at the North Carolina State University, to boost the USA’s manufacturing industry back to a position of leadership. Manufacturing USA united 14 research institutes, including public companies, universities, government agencies and non-profit organisations. The goal was to improve the design, development and commercialisation of innovative manufacturing technologies. The initiative encourages the adoption of key technologies to drive manufacturing forward, focussing on robotics, additive manufacturing and smart manufacturing technology, to ensure the USA develops in line with the global manufacturing industry. The NNMI has delivered around 200 major applied research projects so far, which have involved 28,000 people including students, manufacturing employees and veterans. Now, Manufacturing USA must focus on the commercialisation of innovative products to sustain its leading position. Made in China During the twentieth century, the Chinese manufacturing industry introduced digital technology that allowed it to operate highly productive and efficient manufacturing plants. As a result, it became known as the world’s cheap manufacturing nation, but this productivity focus meant the industry became associated with poor quality products and counterfeits. In 2015, Chinese premier Li Keqiang launched Made in China 2025 to upgrade the country’s manufacturing industry and improve its reputation. Instead of focusing on internal improvements to productivity and efficiency, Made in China 2025 encouraged manufacturers to centre their advancements around trends and themes in the market. A market-oriented approach to internal improvements allows China to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry and keep up to date with customer requirements. Digitalisation is an important step, because increasing automation in a factory will generate more time for engineers to focus on new ideas and creative thinking. In addition, advanced technology allows businesses to be more flexible. Machines are now available that can adapt to change, perform a variety of actions and even make decisions based on unique circumstances. Germany, Denmark, the USA and China have demonstrated the power of a collaborative initiative to boost the manufacturing industry and in turn, support the economy. They have shown it is important to make key trends, such as robotics, smart manufacturing and big data, the foundation of their programmes. However, the introduction of advanced digital equipment is not enough on its own to improve the manufacturing industry. Larger companies should aid smaller businesses in their digitalisation strategies and support education for the next generation of engineers, to secure the future of the industry. Managers should also ensure engineers are provided with enough time to think of creative ideas for improving manufacturing processes and product quality. The Swedish traffic switch on Högertrafikomläggningen was not as successful as the country had hoped. After a temporary reduction in traffic accidents following the switch, the number returned to the level it was at before. Industry 4.0 will be different — already, initiatives have led to measurable improvements in business revenue and wider economies. Manufacturers must take inspiration from countries like Germany, the USA, Denmark and China, to keep up with Industry 4.0 and reap the benefits. To find out more about the ways other countries are digitalising, please visit: www.euautomation.com Jonathan Wilkins