IoT/Industry 4.0

HEAVY ENGINEERING research association HERA has announced three key initiatives designed to propel the industry forward as members focus on support for digital capability, transformation and innovation: the MetalMind app, the Sustainability Fund projects and the Fab 4.0 Lab for testing, implementation and research.

The MetalMind app is a digital home for HERA’s training services and all things heavy engineering. It is a platform where HERA will grow and engage its tribe of metal heads and where people can share open and transparent innovation.

“MetalMind is our proprietary private social platform to connect with members exclusively, hold open and important conversations about steel industry issues, gather feedback, solve problems, and give people maximum value,” said HERA ceo Troy Coyle. “The big driver for developing MetalMind was our Innovation READY programme, which has been completely digitised including 10 podcast sessions with supporting content, along with the Lean Startup four-week course. Over time members will be given early access to training materials and tutoring preparation ahead of welding certification examinations.

“The people on the platform will be new to our industry right through to the most experienced, a truly diverse group who all have something to gain from engagement. Users will be onboarded into main channels and then given the information and services they need around innovation, training, education and the foundry, a newsfeed which drives conversation and delivers targeted and curated information to the industry. There will be verticals of content and services that users will progress through.”

The Sustainability Fund is a NZD100,000 research fund for projects aimed at improving steel’s sustainability performance, particularly in terms of carbon. Already, NZD20,000 from the fund has been ear-marked for development of training for engineers and specifiers on steel’s carbon performance.

“Our focus has been on what we can do to help our industry reduce emissions, and the projects we will be championing and funding are those which address sustainability challenges, improve performance and create a better Aotearoa,” said HERA Manager Structural Systems, Kaveh Andisheh.

“Criteria for eligibility include projects must be performed in FY 2022 and must lead to likely improvements in structural steel’s sustainability performance, for example by extending the lifespan of structural steel buildings or infrastructure, improving the durability of structural steel components, reducing waste or improving efficiency, facilitating reuse, repurposing or recycling, and much more. We are currently reviewing proposals to go forward to an industry panel for review and then the HERA Board, and successful funding recipients will be announced at our AGM.”

HERA Fab4.0Lab (named for the Fourth Industry Revolution, or Industry 4.0 as applied to fabrication) is a laboratory space based at HERA House in Auckland where fabricators can test concepts, new product ideas and iterations on specialist machinery that may not otherwise be easily accessible or available to developers. Fab4.0Lab is part of the HERA Industry 4.0 Roadmap.

HERA General Manager Fabrication 4.0 Michail Karpenko said that Fab4.0Lab is the place where industry meets research, and where 4.0 technologies will be road-tested and implemented.

“We will also be showcasing technologies and facilitating technology transfer from providers to industry, and will be involved in cutting- edge

4.0 research related to the steel fabrication industry. It is also a training lab where industry professionals will be upskilled and trained on robotics and implementation of 4.0 technologies.

“Related to Fab4.0Lab is the planned HERA Innovation Centre, a hub for the industry and a centre of excellence. It is both cyber and physical, part of a global network of research laboratory facilities.”