Manufacturing Boosted by Launch of Wolverhampton's Smart Factory Innovation Centre

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 33 seconds

Tech

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Quick Read: Atlas Copco unveils its new Smart Factory Innovation Centre in Wolverhampton, aiming to revolutionise UK manufacturing with advanced digital and sustainable technologies.

Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions has furthered its dedication to the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector by unveiling a cutting-edge Smart Factory Innovation Centre. This advanced facility, situated at i54 on the Wolverhampton-Staffordshire border, was inaugurated by Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, and Councillor Roger Lees, Leader of South Staffordshire Council.

The i54 technology-based business park is a collaborative venture between City of Wolverhampton Council, Staffordshire County Council, and South Staffordshire Council.Atlas Copco, a Swedish-owned global leader in industrial productivity solutions for diverse markets such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and renewable energy, has made a significant investment to revamp its existing building into this UK-first Smart Factory Innovation Centre. The Centre will serve as a demonstration and training hub for Atlas Copco’s advanced smart tooling, industrial assembly systems, and machine vision solutions, powered by Ericsson’s private 5G network. This network will provide a state-of-the-art 'Industry 4.0' deployment, blending human skills with secure, real-time wireless technology.

The facility includes a simulated factory environment, allowing Atlas Copco to showcase its comprehensive range of solutions. These include customisable, 5G-enabled tool control software, the latest error-proofing systems, and cutting-edge inspection solutions featuring 3D laser technology.

During the ribbon-cutting event, Councillors Simkins and Lees explored the Centre's operations and met with current apprentices and recent graduates, gaining insights into how Atlas Copco is fostering the next generation of smart manufacturing leaders.

Councillor Simkins highlighted the significance of the i54 business park in driving industrial innovation, stating,

"Atlas Copco’s new Smart Factory Innovation Centre will provide manufacturing businesses from the West Midlands and beyond with a competitive advantage by enhancing efficiencies and sustainability."

James McAllister, General Manager at Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions, emphasised the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, saying,

"This major investment in our Midlands operations underscores our mission to create a smart manufacturing ecosystem. Our Centre will enable customers to digitalise production processes and achieve sustainability goals through real-time data insights from our industry-leading tools and systems. We eagerly anticipate welcoming customers and industry partners in 2024."

The Smart Factory Innovation Centre is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the region’s manufacturing capabilities and promote sustainability in industrial processes.

What's new

Aurrigo’s Autonomous Airport Tech Gets Green Light for Global Deployment

Coventry-based Aurrigo International has received formal approval for its autonomous ground handling technologies to be rolled out across over 60 airports globally, following a successful trial at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

The breakthrough comes through its partnership with Aviation Solutions, a division of the Royal Schiphol Group, announced in April 2024. After testing Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug® and Auto-Sim® systems at Schiphol, the technology has now been validated for broader commercial deployment.

Royal Schiphol Group—operator of Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague, and Lelystad Airports—holds stakes in a host of global hubs including Eindhoven, Brisbane, Hobart International, and JFK Terminal 4, and has collaboration agreements with Beijing Capital International Airport and Seoul Incheon. This global footprint now opens the door for Aurrigo’s smart airside innovations to be adopted worldwide.

Photo Credit: Aurrigo

Marcel Stroop, Director of Go-to-Market at Aviation Solutions said:

“Aurrigo is a true front-runner in autonomous ground handling. We work to deliver solutions we can guarantee 100%, and Aurrigo is now part of that movement—bringing proven innovations from Schiphol to airports around the world.”

The successful trial featured Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug®, a next-generation electric and autonomous vehicle for transporting luggage and cargo, and Auto-Sim®, a simulation platform that enables airports to plan, model and optimise autonomous operations in advance of real-world deployment.

With validation in hand, the next phase will focus on commercialising Aurrigo’s technology through Aviation Solutions’ extensive global network.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo said:

“This endorsement confirms the demand for our smart airside solutions. It also strengthens our go-to-market strategy by working with a trusted, incentivised partner who connects us with well-informed, progressive aviation customers.”

Aurrigo’s innovations are part of a growing trend toward automation in aviation, helping airports reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainability goals.

By Anushka Malhotra

8 Apr