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Innovation Edge Program
"Shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, the year of 2020 has shifted perspective on manufacturing as a whole. As we enter 2021, digital transformation remains front and center, but industrial manufacturers must be laser focused on leveraging technologies and analytics that go beyond pure business continuity.
"In 2021, it's imperative that you utilize an interconnected digital network of people, equipment, and data to realize new levels of productivity and flexibility."
Source: Industry Week January 28, 2021
What is Industry 4.0?
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The Fourth Industrial Revolution, commonly referred to as Industry 4.0, is the future of advanced manufacturing. These efforts accelerate the automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices, driven by the use of modern “smart technology”. For example, machine-to-machine communication and the internet of things (IoT) are integrated for increased automation, improved communication and self-monitoring, and production of smart machines that can analyze and diagnose issues without the need for human intervention.
Industry 4.0 is broadly defined to include many new and emerging technology uses and will be very dynamic in the range of activities and concepts applied. These processes include robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Nano Technologies, and many others.
CAMPS Industry 4.0 History
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CAMPS introduced Industry 4.0 concepts and applications at the 2018 CAMPS Manufacturing Conference. For many members, this was new information, and the learning began. This was followed up in 2019 and in 2020 and now we are seeing companies researching and implementing Industry 4.0 solutions. Since 2018, it has become apparent that no other membership organization in Washington State is taking the lead to assist and support the small and medium manufacturing community in these advanced manufacturing processes. CAMPS has emerged as this leading organization.
In 2019, with the manufacturing community rapidly integrating technology-based applications into their businesses. CAMPS hired Parker Carroll as the Industry 4.0 Applications Engineer. During this past year, she has compiled a database of information on many applications, particularly robotics. Impact Washington has secured robotics information assembled by all the MEPs (Manufacturing Extension Partnerships) network in the United States. This information is being referred to as Robotics In A Box (RIAB). The RIAB includes information about “lessons learned” and many tools to evaluate and validate a robotics project, and is available to Washington State manufacturers.
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Moving Forward
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CAMPS is organizing a 2021 Driving Innovation Program that is member-driven. This involves the formation of an Innovation Committee made up of Board Members and selected CAMPS Members who provide related technology and application expertise. The role of the Innovation Committee will be to:
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Review the proposed applications and help set the priorities. Members will be assigned specific Innovation Work Groups based on applications or processes and become the application drivers (robotics, IoT, etc.).
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Workforce and Training - The current pandemic downturn and increased unemployment has not solved the shortages of skills required to meet manufacturing needs. The rapid introduction of Industry 4.0 applications will propose new needs to share with the training community or support the Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) solutions. CAMPS will work closely with partners such as Clover Park Technical College and build a library of “on-line” training, such as found by Fanuc, Universal Robots, and others.
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To find out more or participate in the Innovation Edge Program visit the Innovation Committe webpage.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Parker Carroll | sc.parker@camps-us.com | 253.987.6009