Overview
This talk will describe the vital role of digital manufacturing technologies and systems in today's high value manufacturing industry.
The key elements of digital manufacturing will be outlined, followed by the technical challenges in terms of their development and deployment in real factory environments. The historical development of computer aided and computer integrated manufacturing techniques and systems will be put into context, leading to the current development of the industry 4.0 concept.
The talk will describe the challenges and opportunities offered by the adoption and deployment of advanced digital manufacturing methods by supply chain companies and the need for investment in skills and support services to facilitate this adoption. Recent advances in research will be reviewed, including, digital-physical or cyber-physical systems. The talk will conclude with the review of selected best practice in industry and will cover case studies concerning the successful deployment of digital manufacturing for enhancing process capability and quality and improving productivity.