Working in collaboration, the AFRC and BitzList are developing a technological platform for the creation of a smart factory – an environment where machinery and equipment are able to improve processes through automation and self-optimisation using a constant stream of data from connected operations.
Through the partnership, BitzList will give the AFRC access to specialist industry 4.0 software it has been working on for over 15 years. This technology, which is already in use within the manufacturing sector, can be used by customers and suppliers to request the manufacture of parts and it also contains inbuilt development capacity.
Engineers at the AFRC will work with the team at BitzList to develop additional functionality such as Internet of Things compatibility with the end goal of supplying the software to SMEs free of charge. The founders of BitzList, father and son Richard and Tim Bittleston, will also share their knowledge with the centre on a consultancy basis.
Says Danny McMahon, senior manufacturing engineer and digital manufacturing team lead at the AFRC: “BitzList acts as the control centre for factories of the future and the team behind it has been working on the technology for the last 15 years.
“It will enable manufacturers to efficiently process their workloads and access scheduling systems which cut costs, improve productivity as well as allowing remote monitoring and testing.
“Through this partnership we’ll not only be able to develop the technology to become further integrated with industry 4.0 specifications, but also help create a demonstrator for a smart factory – benefiting the country’s manufacturing industries. This type of collaboration shows the value the AFRC can offer businesses of all sizes.”
