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AI and Sustainability in Advanced Manufacturing to take Centre Stage at Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) 2024

Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP), will be held at Singapore EXPO from 14 -16 October 2024. Focusing on shaping the future with sustainable manufacturing, ITAP 2024 will spotlight the latest AI integration capabilities that enable diverse manufacturing sectors at various stages of technology adoption to foster business growth while contributing towards global climate goals. National AI developments to spur AI integration in manufacturing The Asia Pacific region is leading the smart manufacturing sector, which is expecting to grow at 15.7% CAGR through 2030. This is underscored by the accelerating rollout pace of AI policies that will lead to its greater adoption by manufacturers. Various industries are currently seeing more AI integration. For instance, Rolls-Royce, at their Seletar campus, uses AI for predictive analytics and maintenance of aircraft engines, enhancing reliability and performance while minimizing downtime. At ST Engineering, AI is used in predictive maintenance, enhancing production efficiency, and improving product quality across its various sectors, including aerospace and electronics. At a national level, Singapore revised national AI strategy (NAIS) with one of the aims to triple the nation’s AI workforce to 15,000 by 2029 and plans to invest more than $1 billion (US$743.7 million) over the next five years in AI computing, talent and industry development. Indonesia projects that AI will make a significant contribution of US$366 billion to its economy in the next decade. Indonesia aims to accelerate the growth of Southeast Asia’s largest AI ecosystem with the 2045 Artificial Intelligence National Strategy (Stratnas AI). In Vietnam, the government has approved a national strategy on AI that will enable Vietnam to become a hub for AI innovation and solutions in the Southeast Asian region and globally by 2030. Malaysia is propelling ahead with its Malaysia AI Roadmap 2021-2025, having recently launched the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Consortium (MAIC) and the AI […]

Cisco and Rockwell to accelerate digital transformation in Asia Pacific industrial market

(left to right) Nicole Denil, vice president, Global Market Access, Rockwell Automation • Ruchika Jain, director, marketing and strategy – Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation • Shovan Sengupta, regional vice president, market Access – Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation • Scott Wooldridge, regional president – Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation • Kartika Prihadi, Vice President, Partner Sales & Routes to Market, Asia Pacific, Japan & Greater China (APJC), Cisco • Simon Young, General Manager, Strategic Industry Partners, Asia Pacific, Japan & Greater China (APJC), Cisco • Yadi Karyadi, Country Solution Architect, Indonesia, Cisco. Cisco, a worldwide leader in networking and security, and Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has announced a collaboration to propel digital transformation of the industrial market in the Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China region. The announcement was made as the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the same. Cisco and Rockwell Automation provide technologies and services that enable manufacturers to optimise operations, enhance productivity, and ensure the security of their industrial networks. This collaboration will see the two companies coming together to facilitate the implementation of advanced automation solutions, such as connected factories and industrial IoT, while also addressing the unique challenges and requirements of manufacturing environments. “As industries across APJC embark on their digital transformation journeys, our collaboration with Rockwell Automation is poised to deliver significant value for our customers,” said Kartika Prihadi, Vice President, Partners & Routes to Market Sales, Cisco. “By joining forces, we aim to empower industrial enterprises with cutting-edge secure connectivity solutions that drive operational efficiency, enhance productivity and unlock new growth opportunities.” The MOU signifies a deeper commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation between Cisco and Rockwell Automation, as they work together to harness the power of digital technologies and automation solutions […]

BLT unveils high-strength aluminum and Ti65 powders for additive manufacturing

In a significant advancement for the aerospace and industrial sectors, Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) has recently unveiled its latest innovations in metal powder tailored for additive manufacturing. Leveraging its extensive research and development capabilities, BLT is launching new high-strength aluminum for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and BLT-Ti65 for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes, providing comprehensive turnkey solutions that cater to the complex demands of modern manufacturing. BLT-AlAM500 High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Boosts Industrial Manufacturing Quality High-strength aluminum alloys are renowned for their exceptional strength, thermal stability, and superior processing performance. These materials are prominently used in the aerospace sector for aircraft structural components, and engine parts. Beyond aerospace, high-strength aluminum alloys are also essential in high-speed trains, lightweight automotive parts, and premium sports equipment. However, producing these alloys using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology often presents challenges such as cracking and poor component density. BLT has optimised the process parameters for high-strength aluminum alloys, overcoming the difficulties of manufacturing complex, large-sized components with integrated structures and achieving high yield rates. In May this year, leveraging its extensive manufacturing experience with high-strength aluminum alloy components, BLT launched the new high-strength aluminum alloy BLT-AlAM500, specifically designed for aerospace applications. At TCT Asia 2024, BLT showcased parts like the bent tube, ventilation duct, and connecting pipe made from this material. The bent tube, ventilation duct, and connecting pipe printed in BLT-AlAM500. These components, characterised by thin-walled, irregularly shaped tubular structures with internal cavities, demand high precision and quality. Traditional manufacturing methods are complex, challenging, and costly. BLT optimised the design of these parts, using the high-strength aluminum alloy BLT-AlAM500 and the our Metal LPBF printing machine BLT-S400 for integrated manufacturing. Each part takes approximately 30 hours to form, achieving an average weight reduction of around 20%. The parts exhibit […]

Zoomlion opens eighth service center in Thailand

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of advanced equipment, recently celebrated the grand opening of its eighth service center in Thailand, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its market presence and provide high-quality, efficient services to local customers. The grand opening was attended by over 150 distinguished guests, including representatives from local government, construction and road contractors, and industry professionals. The ceremony featured an impressive display of Zoomlion’s latest equipment, including cranes, concrete mixers, excavators, mining trucks, industrial vehicles, and tractors. Gan Mengfei, general manager of Zoomlion’s Thai subsidiary, emphasized the importance of the new service center in Phitsanulok. “The opening of this center enhances our response capabilities and service quality in the region. Customers now have more diverse product options and superior after-sales service experiences. “We are committed to deepening our market presence, boosting sales and service capacities, and continually improving customer satisfaction,” said Mr. Gan. Zoomlion’s Development in Thailand Zoomlion’s Thailand subsidiary was established in 2015 and currently employs 130 staff members. The new Phitsanulok service center is the company’s eighth in Thailand, joining existing locations in Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, and more. Each service center is staffed with 4-5 service engineers, 2-3 service vehicles, and ample spare parts. This ensures prompt, efficient, and professional service. Service personnel typically arrive within 1-2 hours of a customer request, resolving issues within 24 hours. If a problem cannot be resolved within three days, a replacement machine will be provided. On July 2, Zoomlion delivered 246 aerial working platforms, including scissors and boom lifts, with models such as ZS1012HA, ZS1212HA, ZA14J, and ZA22J-V. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Zhao Zhaoqi, general manager of the Overseas Business Department at Hongxin Construction Development Company, stated, “We chose Zoomlion for its superior products […]

Leaders share issues facing businesses head of Singapore APEX Business Summit

Key themes addressed include the impetus for globalisation, how businesses can foster diversity and the importance of technology as a business driver. The Singapore Apex Business Summit (SABS®) today held a preview event in the build-up to the Summit which will take place between 23 and 25 July 2024 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. The event brought together business leaders who shared their perspectives on pertinent challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region. Hosted by Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive OBicer, Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and Jason Ng, Managing Director, MP Singapore, key themes addressed included the pivotal role of technology, sustainability, and the role of trade partnerships in shaping the future of business in Singapore and globally. Further discussion focused on why engendering a corporate purpose is central to business competitiveness and how it can be embodied within organisations and through philanthropic practices. According to SBF’s National Business Survey 2023/2024, 9 in 10 businesses acknowledge the importance of business transformation but require support with digitalisation, internationalisation and sustainability challenges. The upcoming SABS® will equip business leaders and decision makers with the knowledge they need to tackle these challenges head on, while equipping attendees with actionable strategies that can be implemented to deliver positive impact in these key areas. Joining Mr Kok and Mr Ng at the media conference to share their insights on key topics were: • Tony Soh, Chief Executive OXicer, NVPC, shared insights on the linkages between corporate purpose and business competitiveness • Liew Nam Soon, EY Asean Regional Managing Partner; EY Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, provided a sneak peek into the upcoming future economy conference • Pamela Chng, Founder, Bettr Group, shared her perspectives on demographic challenges and how businesses can foster diversity • Kelvin Tan, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Finance […]

Q & A: Aanchal Gupta, Managing Director of APAC at Tulip

What is Tulip’s role in Industry 4.0? Tulip’s role is to provide an easy to use, digitalised solution for manufacturers to enable a more efficient production process. The Industry 4.0 revolution is transforming industrial and manufacturing processes rapidly and we aspire to provide companies with opportunities to ease into this growing and evolving industry. How is Tulip assisting enhance productivity across APAC? Tulip’s Frontline Operations Platform has been developed for precisely this reason – to enhance productivity among manufacturing and production players by enabling them to develop digital solutions. In addition, our platform provides productivity and quality measurements for manufacturers and producers to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency. At Tulip, we focus primarily on frontline workers and believe there is an exponential potential in this area. To date, this area of the workforce has been left out of digitisation considerations. This is where Tulip comes in with our human-centric and low-code approach. Without any programming effort, the people who are really affected and involved in manufacturing and production daily can develop digital solutions that really improve efficiencies in their work. For example, these could be digital work instructions, quality assurance measures or documentation. In this way, productivity can be increased step by step throughout the entire production process. How do you see manufacturing’s future at present? We believe the manufacturing industry will continue to evolve significantly with new areas of growth and pockets of opportunity emerging. More and more companies are beginning to understand the challenges of having a single monolithic solution due to each site having different needs and requirements. A composable approach, where companies can fit their sites and stations with the tools, machines, and capabilities they need—but with oversight visibility—is critical in today’s rapidly evolving world. In today’s dynamic manufacturing environment, the ability to adjust to changes […]

China Hi-Tech Fair’s 26th edition in Shenzhen

China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF), a large-scale international event and China’s premier tech show showcasing innovative technologies and products, will kick off its 26th edition on November 14-16, 2024 at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center under the theme “Technology Leads Development, Industry Integrates Fusion”. Covering an exhibition area of 400,000m2, CHTF 2024 is expected to attract over 5,000 exhibitors and 500,000 attendees from more than 100 countries and regions. This year, the event will feature 20 top fast-growing sectors, including China’s Leading Heavy Equipment, Top Tech Industry Chains, Clean Energy, High-end Machinery Manufacturing and Low-altitude Economy & Aerospace, etc. About 150 activities will be held concurrently. Leveraging Shenzhen’s role as an international innovation center, CHTF has become an important gateway for China’s high-tech sector to connect with the international community, and a top-level platform empowering tech companies to elevate their global brand awareness. China’s national leaders attend CHTF’s opening ceremony annually. Provincial and municipal officials lead delegations to participate in the event. Over 150 delegations come from afar to explore groundbreaking technologies and emerging industry trends. Started in 1999, CHTF has been scoring a resounding success in facilitating technological and economic exchanges and cooperation across borders. In 2023, CHTF gathered 5,000 exhibitors, 150 delegations and 500,000 attendees from 105 countries. The total transaction value reached CNY37.279 billion (US$5.14 billion), encompassing approximately 10,000 technological projects. World-renowned companies like Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Siemens, Huawei, Tencent, ZTE, BYD, DJI, Philips, SAP, Sony, and Samsung, have exhibited at CHTF. Throughout its 25 editions, CHTF has welcomed two Turing Award winners, 18 Nobel Prize laureates, over 40 domestic & overseas academicians, more than 100 officials above the ministerial level, and around 400 CEOs and entrepreneurs from transnational corporations. Over 1,500 journalists from around 200 domestic and overseas organisations covered CHTF last year. The resulting 25,000 […]

Bangkok Hospital invests in robot-assisted surgery

Bangkok Hospital has invested over 200 million baht to establish a cutting-edge robotic surgery center. The facility is equipped with multiple operating rooms integrated with the latest robotic platforms, including the da Vinci Xi Surgical System. This investment underscores the hospital’s commitment to becoming the premier destination for robotic-assisted surgery in Southeast Asia. Having successfully completed 200 cases, Bangkok Hospital showcases its expertise in leveraging state-of-the-art technology to deliver superior patient outcomes. The hospital’s strategic vision is to become the robotic hub of Southeast Asia, making advanced surgical treatments more accessible to patients throughout the region at competitive prices. The da Vinci Xi Surgical System enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with improved precision and better dexterity. Conditions that can benefit from robot-assisted surgery include thoracic diseases like lung cancer; urological diseases such as prostate and kidney cancers; abdominal and hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases including hernias and liver cancer; as well as gynecological diseases like uterine fibroid and ovarian mass. “We are dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by Southeast Asia, including the growing burden of cancers, an aging population, and disparities in access to quality care,” said Dr. Ekkit Surakarn, Deputy Hospital Director of Bangkok Hospital. “Our robot-assisted surgery program is centered around delivering tangible benefits and value to our patients, while actively engaging with insurance providers to expand coverage for these advanced treatments.” The hospital has achieved remarkable outcomes, with significant improvements in key operating indicators such as reduced blood loss, shorter recovery time, faster patient mobilisation, decreased risk of infection, and unplanned readmission. In specific procedures, the use of robotic systems has enabled nerve-sparing techniques while preserving urinary function in prostate cancer cases and improved lymph node removal in lung cancer cases. Bangkok Hospital’s multidisciplinary approach brings together highly skilled medical teams to create personalised treatment plans […]

Energy Struggles Highlight Need for AI-based Solutions for Buildings in Asia

Recent studies conducted in South Korea and Hong Kong reveal that current energy efficiency measures for buildings are not sustainable. AI experts provide a solution with a 10x faster payback period than building renovation. As cities strive to meet carbon neutrality goals by 2050, energy efficiency in high-density urban centers located in Asia has become critical. Recent studies conducted in Hong Kong and South Korea highlight major challenges, ranging from regulatory to financial issues. “High-density urban centers are at the forefront of sustainability and our fight against climate change, yet they face significant hurdles in achieving energy efficiency. We need to put more focus on energy performance management in Asia if we want to reach net-zero goals in as little as 30 years,” said Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, a company that provides AI-based solutions for energy management in commercial buildings. A comprehensive analysis of 36 office building retrofits in Hong Kong identified 23 major challenges, including inadequate government incentives and long payback periods. Regulatory hurdles emerged as the primary barriers, followed closely by financial concerns. In South Korea, the effectiveness of the Building Energy Efficiency Certification (BEEC) system has been questioned. The study indicates that current certification levels might not reflect true energy efficiency, revealing significant energy consumption discrepancies in office buildings and educational facilities. “When traditional retrofitting is not feasible, AI-based energy performance tools offer a viable alternative,” stated Karčiauskas. “First of all, AI-driven platforms are easier to implement and their payback periods are up to 10 times faster, on average 2 years instead of 10. AI energy performance tools also provide real-time data and actionable insights to reduce energy consumption and emissions.” In previous projects conducted in various countries across Europe, Exergio’s AI platform reduced energy waste by up to 20% in office buildings. These numbers are […]

Greene Tweed completes manufacturing facility in South Korea

This new expansion will increase the manufacturing leader’s capacity and capabilities for the semiconductor market. Lansdale, PA – Greene Tweed, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastics, composites, seals, and engineered components, has completed its new manufacturing facility in Ochang, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea. The milestone marks a significant expansion of Greene Tweed’s global footprint and reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to their customers worldwide with its flagship Chemraz product line. With construction now complete, the new facility is poised to commence sample production immediately and transition to commercial production by September 2024. The state-of-the-art plant is equipped with advanced manufacturing technology as well as solar panels and greywater recycling facilities to mitigate environmental impact, and skilled staff are in place, ready to drive operations forward. “The opening of this facility represents a pivotal step in our strategic growth plan,” said Magen Buterbaugh, President and CEO of Greene Tweed. “Our investment in Korea not only expands our manufacturing capacity but also strengthens our ability to provide high-quality Chemraz® products to our customers, particularly in the semiconductor industry, which is crucial to the global economy.” The new Greene Tweed location underscores the company’s dedication to supporting clients based in Korea and the surrounding region, including notable semiconductor industry leaders. With the semiconductor market expected to be valued at one trillion dollars by 2030, Greene Tweed is well-positioned to meet local and global demand. By increasing its manufacturing presence in Asia, the company expects to improve delivery times, enhance business continuity, and offer greater flexibility and reliability for customers worldwide. “Greene Tweed’s new manufacturing site in Korea is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence,” said Thyag Sadasiwan, General Manager, Chemraz. “This facility will initially focus on our Chemraz product line, known […]

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