The School of Engineering in GMIT is investing in a project titled “Transcend”, headed by Dr Carine Gachon, to further enhance the collaboration between GMIT and industry to support the transition to Industry 4.0.
Industry 4.0 is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things and cloud computing. Industry 4.0 creates what has been called a “smart factory”.
The Institute will invest €1m in equipment, refurbishment and resources to help upskill regional workforce.
Head of the School of Engineering Professor Graham Heaslip explains, “Manufacturing is changing faster than ever and it’s critical that manufacturers increase connectivity and adopt digital technologies to make better informed, data-driven decisions. Because of Industry 4.0, engineering is transitioning toward a new technological renaissance”.
“The GMIT Transcend project is characterised by co-creation, through engaging in close cooperation with society and businesses both regionally and nationally. The project involves the development of several programmes from Level 6 (post Leaving Cert) to Level 9 (Masters) which will be aimed at upskilling the regional workforce. It includes a plan to invest over €1m in infrastructure and equipment to support the delivery of these programmes. Finally, through Industry led research, the project aims at developing a framework to support industry in planning their transition to Industry 4.0”.
Commenting on the Transcend project, Dr Carine Gachon, Head of the GMIT Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, says: “Industry 4.0 is forcing organisations to rethink how to leverage technology to simultaneously drive growth and efficiency. Transcend will support industry in planning for the transition to Industry 4.0.”
The project builds on the success of the recently launched innovative industry-led engineering degree in Automation and Robotics. The B. Eng in Automation and Robotics programme develops graduate engineers that can design, build and manage modern manufacturing cells. The programme has been designed in collaboration with Thermo King and in close consultation with manufacturing industries in the region, all of whom identified a requirement to upskill their employees to meet emergent Industry 4.0 requirements.
Professor Graham Heaslip added: “Partnering with industry has always been central to making sure our programmes and research are relevant and impactful. We want to nurture, grow and develop our industry engagement so that our partners get the most out of their relationship with us.”
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