Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand’s Innovation Agency, is creating a nationwide Industry 4.0 showcase network.
According to a recent press release, the Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network will help more Kiwi manufacturers embrace new technology and innovate to remain globally competitive.
The Fourth Industrial revolution, which is also called Industry 4.0, is delivering vast improvements to businesses in many sectors.
It involves the fusion and application of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital and cyber-physical.
These technologies include robotics and automation as well as data analytics, mixed reality and artificial intelligence (AI).
Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network
- The new Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network will bring these tools to life for manufacturers across the country in relatable and practical ways, and in real-world settings.
- Kiwi manufacturers are good at highly customised manufacturing, often in high-value niches. However, Industry 4.0 is enabling the competitors to perform this kind of manufacturing at mass production cost.
- Recognising a serious need to lift Industry 4.0 uptake in New Zealand manufacturing, the Government has committed budget funding over four years to roll out the initiative.
- It will include a mobile Industry 4.0 showcase, a network of site visits and ‘Smart Factory’ tours, with up to two factories demonstrating deeper Industry 4.0 engagement.
In Search of a Delivery Partner
Callaghan Innovation is currently looking for a partner, or partners, to deliver the Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network, and there is still time for interested providers to apply for the high profile NZ$ 5.04 million contract.
This is a rare opportunity to make a pivotal positive impact on the productivity and competitiveness of New Zealand firms.
Essentially, a partner that can present Industry 4.0 concepts in relatable ways is needed in order for manufacturers to see a clear path to incorporating these technologies and realising the benefits.
The request for proposals (RFP) for the four-year supply contract will close on 31 October 2019.
Other Industry 4.0 Initiatives
- The Industry 4.0 Hub contains more information about Industry 4.0, which includes case studies and a providers map. It can be accessed here.
- Callaghan Innovation led a manufacturing trek to Singapore from 21 October, with over 20 businesses interested in learning how to start, scale and sustain their adoption and development of Industry 4.0 technologies.
- OpenGov Asia recently reported on this. Specific Asia-Pacific examples were showcased throughout the event programme.
- It is designed to help companies start, scale and sustain their adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and solutions.
- Many innovative Kiwi manufacturers have informative profiles on Scale-Up NZ.
- OpenGov Asia earlier reported on an Online platform to connect NZ businesses.
- Scale-Up NZ delivers accurate insights on ambitious innovative New Zealand companies. It removes information gaps that prevent businesses from achieving their potential.
- The platform has the potential to foster much greater collaboration in the economy.