Today saw the beginning of the International Manufacturing Conference at the University of Limerick.
This two-day conference is a showcase of cutting edge research undertaken in academic institutions in Ireland and across Europe. It boasts a line-up of speakers from captains of industry who will deliver keynote addresses on topics of major interest to the world of manufacturing. The conference promotes specific innovations in manufacturing technologies and is an excellent opportunity for networking between researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators as well as government and funding agencies
Speaking at the opening of the conference on Wednesday, August 31st, President of the University of Limerick, Professor Don Barry, outlined that “this event illustrates the importance of academia and industry working together and most importantly it welcomes those who are at the beginning of their careers in manufacturing engineering research”
Minister Denis Naughten, TD, who gave a keynote address at the conference, applauded the organisers for their vision and strategic thinking in bringing such an event to Limerick. Minister Naughten said that “it was hugely important that a strong relationship exist between academia and industry as it is through such relationships that valuable IP and research outcomes ae realised.
Conference Chairman, Dr Peter Tiernan added “the conference brings together experts in the field of manufacturing engineering under the theme of Industry 4.0, which is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. The conference explores the traditional manufacturing business models, how they are changing and how manufacturing professionals should react to the new competitive challenges.
The Department of Design and Manufacturing Technology, who are hosting the conference, combined the official opening of their state-of-the-art Mitsubishi Automation Laboratory with the conference. This laboratory which was officially opened by Minister Naughten is a custom designed workspace aimed to expose Technology & Engineering students to the needs of modern manufacturing, from robotic control, controller programming, additive manufacture and vision systems.