Media Release
Experts in IoT and wood manufacturing join forces
Bosch Manufacturing Solutions will supply digital production units to 3RT for the global manufacture of sustainable hardwood. Based in Melbourne and Adelaide, 3RT has developed a world-first technology in collaboration with Flinders University, that converts wood waste into timber that looks and performs like 100-year-old tropical hardwood, called Designer HardwoodTM. A leader in the design and development of special purpose machinery, Bosch Manufacturing Solutions will deliver fully automated production cells to enable its production around the world.
The cooperation provides great opportunities to leverage Bosch know-how in manufacturing, sensor technology, and software around the Internet of Things (IoT) for the wood manufacturing industry.
Mr Peter Tyroller, member of the board of management of the Bosch Group responsible for Asia Pacific, has visited 3RT in Adelaide and said, “This is a great example of Australian ingenuity and innovation. 3RT is addressing the significant environmental and supply challenges relating to old growth hardwood, applying Bosch technology and knowhow.
With a potential project market size of AUD$1.2 billion globally, Bosch Manufacturing Solutions was selected for its unique Industry 4.0, automation and manufacturing know-how to support the entire value stream of connected manufacturing. The partnership ensures the delivery of multiple production cells to satisfy increasing demand across the globe.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with 3RT, an industry specialist that is leading in the field of wood manufacturing in a sustainable and innovative way,” said Gavin Smith, President, Bosch Australia.
3RT’s Innovation Center in Adelaide develop and manufacture custom Designer HardwoodTM products, transforming plantation waste into a sustainable, low impact substitute for tropical hardwood. It received international recognition in the 2019 Good Design Awards competition by winning a gold medal for its concept of “Bespoke Wood”, which brings the concept of mass customisation into the hardwood industry (www.3rt.com.au).
Winner of the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards for Leader in Industry 4.0, Bosch Manufacturing Solutions is enabling companies to realise the the optimum way to meet customer needs.
“At Bosch, we combine experience gained from our own manufacturing activities across more than 250 plants worldwide with our expertise as a leading provider of industrial IoT solutions. We are not only optimising our own manufacturing base, we are also actively seeking to work with partners like 3RT to enable the rise of digital industrial technology,” said Gavin.
The production cells Bosch will design and build for 3RT will be connected to other machines around Australia and the world. Equipped with leading edge Industry 4.0 capability, the machines will collect data for the optimisation of processes and can be managed remotely.
The Bosch Manufacturing Solutions business recently announced construction of a new AUD$17 million facility to support the expansion of its factory automation business in Australia. Bosch will be a crucial partner in 3RT’s innovative and scalable wood producing business.
