The summit is the first of its kind dedicated to Industry 4.0, a term that describes a series of innovations that are changing the way products are made – including the adoption of digital technologies and the ‘internet-of-things; optimising big data; improved communication, greater automation and the arrival of next-generation robots or cobots; as well the application of 3D printing on an even bigger scale.

In response to game-changing technologies that are set to radically transform the global manufacturing sector, The University of Manchester has announced a "unique academic conference" to showcase the latest science and engineering behind this disruptive phenomenon.

Professor Paulo Bartolo and Dr Carl Diver, from The University of Manchester, have jointly announced Industry 4.0 Academia, which will run in collaboration with the Industry 4.0 Summit in Manchester next year.

The summit is the first of its kind dedicated to Industry 4.0, a term that describes a series of innovations that are changing the way products are made - including the adoption of digital technologies and the ‘internet-of-things; optimising big data; improved communication, greater automation and the arrival of next-generation robots or cobots; as well the application of 3D printing on an even bigger scale.

"We are seeing the first wave of the next revolution in manufacturing. It promises to bring a series of disruptive technologies and has been called the ‘fourth industrial revolution or ‘Industry 4.0 for short," explained manufacturing expert Dr Carl Diver, from Manchesters School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. He added:

"In response we are announcing a unique academic conference on Industry 4.0 that will be held in the birthplace of the first Industrial Revolution - this conference will bring together the leading academic and industry experts under one roof in Manchester.

"It will be an opportunity for deeper engagement around the direction that Industry 4.0 is taking and a chance for industrialists and academics to get together and identify areas that offer opportunities for cutting edge research - including commercialisation.
"We will have renowned keynote academic speakers coming to Manchester to discuss their vision of Industry 4.0."

The University of Manchester has one of the largest manufacturing academic groups in the country with expertise in all aspects of manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

This academic conference, being led by the University, follows the success of Manchesters partnership with the inaugural Industry 4.0 Summit held earlier this year. The 2018 event, which will be held over two-days (February 28 and March 1), promises to be even bigger and better.

In support of the academic conference, Professor Paulo Bartolo and Dr Carl Diver have made a call for abstracts, which are summaries of academic papers that will be relevant to Industry 4.0.