The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), British manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce and Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL) have jointly launched a lab in Singapore, which will develop smart manufacturing technologies, reported TODAYonline. These three entities are going to invest a whopping S$60 million for this ambitious five-year project.
The Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab will be responsible for developing next-generation aerospace manufacturing technology as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. All these will be enabled by advanced processes, automation and digital technologies, reported the publication.
Mr. Lim Chuan Poh, chairman of A*Star, while speaking at the signing ceremony, said that the aerospace industry is a key sector in manufacturing and the total output of it stands at more than S$8 billion. He also mentioned that Rolls-Royce is one of the most valuable partners of A*Star in collaborative research that encourages innovation for the aerospace industry. Currently, they jointly hold more than 300 joint projects under their belt.
"The focus of the Joint Lab is to allow the partners to co-develop technologies which will eventually be adopted on-site at Rolls-Royce's and SAESL's facilities to improve productivity, save costs and enhance competitiveness," said Mr. Lim, according to TODAYonline.
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The programme includes five main sectors - smart assembly systems, alignment, functional testing and inspection.
The lab will also develop other manufacturing processes involving robotics and using the digital methods in order to further improve certain factors, such as quality, cost and delivery performance.
As per the report, Rolls-Royce chairman Ian Davis said: "This agreement is further evidence of our special relationship with Singapore that began over 50 years ago. This continues to flourish as we make groundbreaking technological advances together. Singapore, as demonstrated by its Future of Manufacturing initiative, is continually transforming, able and inventive. That is why it is a compelling partner."
