As part of its mission to showcase Australia’s leading-edge products, technologies and software, the Modern Manufacturing Expo is finally coming back to highlight the outstanding new technological trends and innovations in the Australian manufacturing industry, this time with artificial intelligence in full focus.
Ahead of the event, which will be held from 20 to 21 September at the Sydney Showgrounds, Australian Manufacturing talked with Modern Manufacturing Expo Event Director Jonathan Wilczek to discuss what’s new in manufacturing and the expo’s theme this year, which is “Connected, Automated & Digital Transformation.”
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the industry at an increasing pace, redefining job roles and workflows on the shop floor.
Wilczek said AI has come through like a tidal wave as major companies begin to integrate the technology with manufacturing software to enhance capabilities.
“When you combine AI with this year’s theme of “Connected, Automated & Digital Transformation,” you come up with a pathway to draw out more data and smart data to help manufacturers run more efficiently and powerfully,” he added.
The Australian advantage in AI innovation
According to Wilczek, the MME began looking into incorporating AI into the program last year, when the technology was more of a futuristic topic for manufacturers— like the Metaverse/Digital Twin this year.
“In fact, (I) wanted to have a fortune teller-type tent (Think Wizard of Oz) where you went in and asked AI on a digital screen questions about the future of manufacturing.”
This year, the Expo will get to the bottom of Australia’s competitive advantage in AI innovation with the Smart Manufacturing Conference and Expert Arena presentations from Factoryworx and CSIRO.
In line with the expo’s theme that spotlights the use of artificial intelligence to advance Australia’s manufacturing industry, Wilczek outlined Australia’s competitive advantage in AI innovation using Bing Chat Enterprise AI-powered Co-Pilot.
When asked about the Australian advantage in AI innovation, the AI cited the country’s strong research and education prowess, which particularly includes CSIRO’s Data61, the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney.
It also highlighted Australia’s AI ethics framework designed to safeguard a strong research and education sector that produces world-class AI talent and expertise.
Furthermore, according to AI, Australia has a vibrant start-up ecosystem that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship in AI, as well as a supportive government that provides funding and incentives for AI projects and initiatives.
“From my point of view, it’s more of an opportunity cost if we don’t embrace AI innovation, as the AI wave is a global phenomenon. Albeit, embracing AI in a safe and well-governed way,” the MME Event Director added.
What to expect
Manufacturers in Australia and beyond are increasingly turning to the use of emerging technology to optimise human resources and workflow.
With the potential to deliver significant advantages to manufacturers across a multitude of activities and functions, Digital Twin is beginning to establish a foothold in Australia and beyond and is among the trends to be showcased at the Modern Manufacturing Expo.
Milwan Bawa, general manager for Siemens, will discuss “The Emergent Industrial Metaverse.”
Factorworx will be co-presenting with AI to discuss the future of manufacturing at the Smart Manufacturing Conference.
Furthermore, the New South Wales Government is hosting a half day of presentations across various manufacturing verticals exploring “what’s next” for manufacturers as they shift to new technologies and new business models.
“The Modern Manufacturing Expo and Smart Manufacturing Conference exist to provide manufacturers with the education needed along with the opportunity to meet advanced manufacturing suppliers to take advantage of how best to start and progress along the Digital Transformation and Industrial Internet of Things journey,” Wilczek said.
“Our aim is to ensure that manufacturers and their manufacturing plants can be equipped with the latest automated equipment, products, software, technologies and wisdom to be better prepared for future success.”
For more information about the Modern Manufacturing Expo and its co-located events, visit modernmanufacturingexpo.com.
