Universities are hubs of specialised knowledge and research expertise. Collaborations between academics and manufacturers are important in research and development (R&D) initiatives, with partnerships often at the forefront of innovation - exploring the utilisation of cutting-edge technologies and developing ideas for industry.
Collaborating with universities allows manufacturers to tap into the intellectual resources of professors, researchers, and students who have deep knowledge in a wide range of disciplines. This expertise can enhance both the quality and depth of research and development efforts.
KUKA Robotics UK Ltd. has a strategic focus upon the development of automated technology into industry, with established research partnerships in academia and across the CATAPULT network, led by Alan Oakley. These innovative environments enable collaborative insights into new concepts, methodologies, and research findings that may lead to breakthroughs in product development and manufacturing processes.
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Mike Russell, KUKA Systems UK Ltd. - Moataz Attallah, Birmingham University - Alan Oakley, KUKA Robotics UK Ltd.
One such partnership, with the University of Birmingham, has been established for in excess of 12 years, with state-of-the-art robotic technology being utilised to support their research infrastructure.
Looking to the future, and to compliment that association, a recent visit to the University of Birmingham, by KUKA Systems UK Ltd. took place, to identify ways in which the two enterprises can work together in developing advanced metallic manufacturing processes. KUKA’s advanced welding solutions, based out of Halesowen, has developed advanced manufacturing competencies that align with current initiatives being undertaken at Birmingham – sustainable, lightweight, advanced metallics that address many of the challenges being encountered in modern manufacturing today.
Mike Russell MEng, PhD, CEng, MWeldI, MBA, FCMI, CMgr - CTO, KUKA Systems UK Ltd. joined KUKA with a view to elevating our brand presence in the international advanced welding arena. Already having established relations with the University of Birmingham, through Professor Moataz Atallah Director, The Advanced Materials Processing Lab. (AMPLAB), Director of Research & Knowledge Transfer, School of Metallurgy & Materials - the two share a common interest in solid-phase processes and both have a profound knowledge and extensive experience in metallic compositions and welding, studying for their respective PhDs together. With a mutual, long term vision on the research and development of metallic joining and manufacturing, a road map, designed to bring a wide range of perspectives and ideas to collaborative R&D projects, fostering creativity and innovation, is to be established between KUKA Systems UK Ltd. and Birmingham University.
Advanced welding finds application in a wide range of industries where the joining of high performance materials is crucial, and the demand for high-quality, energy efficient welding solutions is paramount. Rotary friction welding, linear friction welding, and friction stir welding are much sought after, with demand arising from the need for stronger, lighter, and more durable materials in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, construction, and manufacturing. These industries also require welding solutions that can support the transition to Net Zero manufacturing, via the efficient fabrication of high-performance components.
Though research and development is not just limited to metallics. Further, already well established, projects in robotic EV-automotive battery assembly/disassembly and automated nuclear decommissioning are currently being undertaken at Birmingham University, where the utilisation of KUKA’s industrial robots are paving the way to optimised development cycles in niche and evolving industry sectors - These collaborations shall facilitate the transfer of knowledge between academic research and industrial development, and the findings applied in practical manufacturing processes.
In summary, a collaboration between Birmingham University and KUKA in R&D can lead to a synergistic relationship that shall drive innovation, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and ultimately result in the development of new products and technologies with a competitive edge in the global marketplace, that is crucial for advancing technology, staying competitive, and addressing complex manufacturing challenges.