MANUFACTURING


Dominic Fahy, Head of Architecture, Engineering,


Construction & Manufacturing at


Canon UK explains how monitoring and modelling technology can


help manufacturing build a sustainable future.


❱ ❱ Innovation is essential for complementing policy changes for sustainable manufacturing


Technology drives sustainable future


4.0 is being driven by unprecedented technological change. It is these advances that will help the UK’s manufacturing industry secure its long-term future and address global environmental issues such as climate change.


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So how can emerging technology help manufacturers build a more sustainable future both for itself and for the environment?


ENERGY MANAGEMENT Environmental management systems are leading the way in increasing energy efficiency, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising manufacturing’s carbon footprint. Essentially, such systems give manufacturers granular insight into operations and thereby solve a persistent problem: the inability to precisely evaluate environmental impact. Traditionally, gaining a full picture of organisation-wide activity and identifying where processes must be changed is difficult, largely because information about energy usage typically resides in different files and isolated systems. However, the introduction of systems


that consolidate data has the power to transform industry. By collecting and merging insight about all operations, they allow businesses to accurately trace the effect of each aspect on the real world and


16 /// DAQ, Sensors & Instrumentation Vol 2 No. 2


ith rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry


pinpoint where greater energy efficiency is needed. Indeed, major firms such as Siemens have employed sophisticated technology in this way for years, by using neural networks to monitor its steel plants and improve efficiencies. What’s more, manufacturers can help their customers reduce energy use and associated emissions by embracing innovative technologies such as on- demand fixing to create energy efficient products. They can take part in initiatives such as the EU’s Voluntary Industry Agreement to continuously improve imaging equipment energy consumption, which will help achieve the EU Action Plan on Energy Efficiency.


REDUCED WASTE Reducing waste can be achieved through approaches such as Digital Twin modelling that allow manufacturers to work smarter and capitalise on the capabilities of innovative IoT-enabled tools. A Digital Twin is a virtual model containing one or more sensors that collects data to represent real-time information about a physical asset. By partnering IoT devices with Digital Twin modelling, manufacturers can test workflow and detect faults to avoid unexpected stoppages. This process offers a cost efficient way to reduce unnecessary waste, cut utilities and maximise resources. This procedure ties in neatly with


established lean manufacturing principles, a method that focuses on minimising waste without compromising


productivity through good supply chain management. Container shipping company Maersk has adopted such lean principles to boost sustainability and lessen its environmental impact, including a predicted 40% reduction in CO emissions.


FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY As the industry progresses, further innovation will be required in how products are made. With 25% of younger consumers buying products based on sustainability, it’s important the sector updates traditional processes to meet growing purchasing trends, as well as complying with stringent regulations on safety, emissions and environment. Some companies are already progressing in this respect. Apple is using a recycling robot to disassemble iPhones and recover and reuse hard-to-reach materials. The company has an AI version of the robot that can extract valuable parts from up to 200 devices per hour. Manufacturers must push innovation in this way and manage resources in ways that contribute to a circular economy, for example by focusing on increasing sales of reconditioned devices or by providing free, easy and responsible methods for recycling products or accessories. There is still a long way to go


to guarantee a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for manufacturing and to reach this goal, industry needs to create long-term policies to secure its future and implement smart technologies to execute them.


❱ ❱ Dominic Fahy of Canon UK sees monitoring technology and increased use of AI and digital twins as essential to sustainability


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