Events

RESPIRE Project Workshop

By Salinee Santiteerakul on May 11th, 2023

Objective:
The RESPIRE Workshop Project aimed to rethink the management of unexpected events for creating resilient and sustainable production systems, with a focus on sharing knowledge, discussing current research, and exploring collaboration opportunities in the context of Industry 5.0.

Agenda and Highlights:

Morning Session at TSS:

10:00 - 10:30: Welcome and Introduction about RESPIRE by Ala & Zuhara.
10:30 - 12:00: TSS introduction and plant tour, providing insights into the company's operations and practices.
Lunch at Restaurant:

12:00 - 13:00: Networking and informal discussions among participants.
Afternoon Session at Conference Room:

13:00 - 14:00: Presentation of preliminary findings from an environmental assessment Master thesis work.
14:00 - 14:15: Break.
14:15 – 15:30: Presentations and discussions by visiting Thailand researchers from CMU:
"Digitalization at SMEs" - Findings from a study on Thailand SMEs on I4.0 readiness assessment by Salinee Santiteerakul.
"Disaster Management in SMEs" - Lessons learned and case examples from Thailand by Chawis Boonme.
15:30-16:00: Workshop Wrap-up and discussion on future steps.
Outcomes:

Enhanced understanding of strategies for managing unexpected events in production systems.
Insights into the role of digitalization in SMEs and the importance of disaster management.
Knowledge exchange between international researchers and industry professionals, fostering a collaborative approach to Industry 5.0.
Read more
Secondment

By Jan Pitel on May 9th, 2023

The main activities of the secondment at University of Malta:
1. Mapping and analysing the current requirements and future expectations of technologies and systems for empowering workers to increase the attractiveness of SME jobs.
2. Mapping and analysing the barriers to empowering workers with different abilities to increase their inclusion within SME jobs.
3. Several meetings were held with the university researchers on the topic Development of Smart and Sustainable Inclusive Workstations for Workers of Different Abilities.
Read more
SME 5.0 at Opening Event of NOI Techpark Bruneck on 05. May 2023

By Erwin Rauch on May 5th, 2023

The SME 5.0 project has been presented as one of the running projects of the new Sustainable Manufacturing Lab founded by Prof. Erwin Rauch of the Free University of Bolzano in Italy. At this open event the research team is illustrating the technical possibilities for a real-time monitoring of energy consumption using the example of a robotic workstation.

The SME 5.0 project has been presented as one of the running projects of the new Sustainable Manufacturing Lab founded by Prof. Erwin Rauch of the Free University of Bolzano in Italy. At this open event the research team is illustrating the technical possibilities for a real-time monitoring of energy consumption using the example of a robotic workstation.
Read more
Visit to Mälardalen Industrial Technology Center (MiTC)

By Salinee Santiteerakul on May 5th, 2023

Objective:
The visit to MiTC aimed to explore the center's role in industrial SME development, research, education, and applied technology projects, and to discuss collaboration opportunities between universities and the industrial sector.

Overview:
MiTC, a collaboration between the manufacturing industry and academia, primarily Mälardalen University, focuses on creating results through needs-driven cooperation for SME development, training, research, and technical projects. The center is an inclusive environment where technology and people converge to research and implement new knowledge, processes, and innovations.

Key Highlights:

Introduction to SME 5.0 Project: Erick from KTH introduced the SME 5.0 Project, outlining its objectives and relevance to current industrial challenges.
University-Industry Collaboration: A discussion on the platform for collaboration between universities and the industrial sector highlighted the importance of such partnerships for innovation and development.
Presentation by CMU: Salinee from CMU presented the results of previous EU projects that the CMU team was involved in, showcasing the impact and learnings from these initiatives.
UP-SKILL for Industry 5.0: The event included discussions on up-skilling for the roll-out of Industry 5.0, emphasizing the need for skill development in the face of evolving industrial technologies.
SHIFT LABS Discussion: The conversation on SHIFT LABS focused on digitalization and innovation hubs, the role of universities as a base for competence, and the collaboration between labs, SMEs, and larger companies.

Outcomes:

Enhanced understanding of MiTC's role in fostering industry-academia collaboration for SME development and technological innovation.
Insights into the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to Industry 5.0, particularly in the context of skill development and innovation.
Identification of potential areas for collaboration and innovation between universities, SMEs, and larger companies.

Conclusion:
The visit to MiTC provided valuable insights into the integration of academia and industry for advancing SME development and technological innovation. The discussions and presentations highlighted the importance of collaboration, skill development, and innovation in the era of Industry 5.0, offering strategic directions for the SME 5.0 Project.
Read more
Digitalized Industry workshop: Exploring the Possibilities of Industry 5.0

By Salinee Santiteerakul on May 3rd, 2023

The Digitalized Industry workshop titled "Exploring the Possibilities of Industry 5.0" was organized to delve into the evolving landscape of digitalization in the industry, mainly focusing on the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0. This transition marks a shift towards prioritizing the human factor in the context of digital technologies, aiming to create more meaningful and sustainable industries.

This workshop is co-organized by Digital Futures Seed Project Industry 4.0 and beyond – towards Industry 5.0 by driving sustainability through digitalization and the KTH Industrial Transformation Platform.

Panel Lists:
Maheshwaran Gopalakrishnan, Research Manager, Scania
Hassanein Sater, Senior Business Developer, AstraZeneca
Anna Sannö, Development Leader, Region Örebro län
Sandra Mattsson, Researcher, RISE
Ulf Weibahr, Head of Manufacturing Consulting Nordics, Wipro
Representatives from academia and industry

Objective:
The workshop aimed to explore the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, emphasizing the integration of digital technologies with a focus on human-centric and sustainable industrial practices.

Overview:
The event brought together experts from various sectors to discuss the evolving landscape of digitalization in the industry. The central theme was the transition to Industry 5.0, which emphasizes human factors and sustainability.

Key Highlights:

Expert Presentations: Insightful presentations from panelists provided a diverse perspective on the transition to Industry 5.0, highlighting the role of digitalization in driving sustainable practices.
Challenges and Opportunities: The discussions shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the shift towards Industry 5.0, offering a comprehensive view of the current industrial landscape.
Collaboration Opportunities: The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in leveraging digital technologies for a sustainable future.
Future Directions: Participants discussed future steps in integrating digital technologies across various industrial sectors.

Outcomes:

Enhanced understanding of the industrial practices required for the transition to Industry 5.0.
Recognition of the challenges and obstacles in this transition, as shared by industry experts.
Insights into current research directions and the potential for sustainable and human-centric industrial development.

Conclusion:
The Digitalized Industry Workshop provided valuable insights into the possibilities and challenges of Industry 5.0. The discussions and presentations highlighted the importance of sustainable and human-centric approaches in the era of digitalization, offering valuable guidance for the SME 5.0 Project.

(https://www.digitalfutures.kth.se/event/digitalized-industry-workshop-exploring-the-possibilities-of-industry-5-0/)
Read more
Industrial Transformation Platform Researchers Network

By Salinee Santiteerakul on Apr 28th, 2023

Attending the Industrial Transformation Platform Researchers Network at KTH Stockholm.

Objective:
The meeting aimed to foster networking among KTH researchers and professionals dedicated to sustainable and CO2-neutral business transformation.

Overview:
The Industrial Transformation Platform Researcher Network meeting provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. The event focused on sustainability, digitalization, innovation, and manufacturing, aligning with the goals of the SME 5.0 Project.

Key Highlights:
Networking Lunch: The event commenced with a networking lunch at Syster O Bror restaurant, facilitating informal discussions and connections among participants.

Researcher of the Week Feature: Sara Linderson, an Industrial PhD candidate, was featured as the Researcher of the Week. Participants had the opportunity to contribute to this initiative, enhancing their visibility within the academic and industrial community.

Interactive Discussions: Post-lunch, the event continued at KTH Innovation, where attendees engaged in discussions on various topics related to industrial transformation. These discussions were instrumental in sharing insights and perspectives from different fields.

Opportunities for Collaboration: The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to extend their research networks and explore potential collaborations, particularly in areas focusing on sustainability and digital transformation in manufacturing.

Outcomes:
Strengthened connections between researchers and professionals across different disciplines.
Enhanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable industrial transformation.
Identification of potential areas for collaboration and research development within the SME 5.0 Project framework.

Conclusion:
The Industrial Transformation Platform Researcher Network meeting was a successful event, offering valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
Read more
Factory Visit: Smart Factory Lab of SCANIA Södertälje

By Salinee Santiteerakul on Apr 25th, 2023

Objective:
The visit aimed to explore the integration of emerging technologies in industrial processes and to understand the collaborative efforts between Scania's Smart Factory Lab and KTH University.

Overview:
Scania's Smart Factory Lab serves as an experimental hub for testing and implementing cutting-edge technologies in production and engineering. The lab focuses on the application of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies to enhance manufacturing and collaborative processes. The lab is staffed by a multinational team of 15, including engineers, thesis workers, and trainees, dedicated to conducting trials and advancing technological integration in production.

Key Highlights:

Presentation on Collaboration: A detailed presentation was given on the ongoing collaboration between Scania's Smart Factory Lab and KTH University. This collaboration is a cornerstone of the lab's operations, emphasizing the importance of academic-industry partnerships in advancing technological applications in manufacturing.

Role of Scania Staff in Academia: Scania staff members are actively involved in academic processes at KTH University. Their roles include guest lecturing and serving as co-advisors for both graduate and undergraduate student research. This involvement not only enriches the academic curriculum but also provides practical, industry-relevant insights to students.

Interactive Sessions: Attendees had the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions, where they experienced firsthand the applications of digitalization technology in enhancing production processes. These sessions provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of technology integration in industrial settings.

Discussion on Future Trends: The event also included discussions on future trends in smart manufacturing and the potential impact of emerging technologies on the industry. These discussions were instrumental in understanding the direction of technological advancement in manufacturing.

Outcomes:
Enhanced understanding of the practical application of digitalization technology in industrial processes.
Insight into the successful collaboration between academia and industry, exemplified by the partnership between Scania and KTH University.
Recognition of the importance of integrating emerging technologies in manufacturing to stay ahead in the competitive market.

Conclusion:
The visit to Scania's Smart Factory Lab was a fruitful experience, offering valuable insights into integrating emerging technologies in manufacturing and the importance of industry-academia collaboration. The learnings from this visit are expected to significantly contribute to the ongoing efforts and future direction of the SME 5.0 Project.
Read more
Small businesses take big steps towards industry 5.0

By Sergio Salimbeni on Apr 20th, 2023

In the context of the Marie Curie SME 5.0 Project (A Strategic Roadmap Towards the Next Level of Intelligent, Sustainable and Human-Centered SMEs), Dr. Sergio Salimbeni, Director of the Industrial Engineering Career and the Institute of Science and Technology belonging to the School of Engineering, and Jorge Mario Andreau, Director of the Research Institute of the School of Psychology and Psychopedagogy, met at the Neurosciences Laboratory belonging to the latter.

The idea of the meeting was to think about future collaborative research projects with a view to integrating various USAL resources in the context of this global project that brings together several universities from around the world.

Link: https://noticias.usal.edu.ar/es/las-pequenas-empresas-dan-grandes-pasos-hacia-la-industria-50
Read more
GKN SINTER METALS Company Visit

By Rungchat Chompu-inwai on Apr 12th, 2023

During their secondment from 3rd April 2023 –18th May 2023 at the Free University of Bolzano, Rungchat Chompu-inwai and Trasapong Thaiupathump from Chiang Mai University, together with Professor Rauch Erwin and his students from the Free University of Bolzano visited the company “GKN SINTER METALS” on April 12, 2023 from 1-5 pm. GKN SINTER METALS is the world's leading manufacturer of precision powder metal products, sintered structural parts, porous products and filters, sub-assemblies, soft magnetic components, and e-motor solutions. In addition to listening to information about the company from company executives, visitors to the company also got to see the production process in detail. However, visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the company.
Read more