IITD, AIA to help India in smart manufacturing

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Automation Industry Association (AIA) entered into a partnership to help India become a leading global player in the area of smart manufacturing.

Both IITD and AIA signed an MOU to this effect for setting up a National Center of Excellence for Smart Technology Enabled Manufacturing. AIA is a vibrant forum for all automation companies in India, spreading knowledge and creating awareness for enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian industry

The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises will be the nodal government body for establishing the innovative platform.

The collaboration is aimed to develop a national educational curriculum and skill building programme through a vibrant incubation and administrative environment. Technology enabled Manufacturing, or Industry 4.0 as it is referred is a revolution in manufacturing and consumption. It alters the way decisions are made regarding what to produce, where to produce, when to produce and how much to produce.

According to Mr. P V Sivaram, President AIA “Smart Manufacturing would ensure lower cost of production, higher quality, fewer rejects and a wider market reach. This also has other broader benefits like lower energy consumption, lesser emissions and will help in preserving the raw materials. It will also assist in decentralization.”

Terming the collaboration as a major step towards technological growth, IITD director Prof Ramgopal Rao said that the industry-academia partnership needs to be taken to the next level. “We need to look ahead and overcome all the barriers. This is a good beginning. The future lies in smart manufacturing and we have great path ahead. ”

Dean R&D Prof B R Mehta said that the collaboration will have a large impact on the research ecosystem. “This will be the fifth center of excellence at IITD in the last few months and I am confident that this will give a tremendous boost to our growing R&D landscape.”