Grant: Applied Research and Technology Partnership Grants

Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, provides the advanced manufacturing technologies that is being adopted worldwide. It consists of a variety of technology components, such as robotics, industrial internet of things, artificial intelligence, simulation, etc., and it utilizes these advanced technologies as communication devices, integrating them into the flow of the production process, rather than as stand-alone tools. While the adoption of Industry 4.0 provides an opportunity for Windsor-Essex manufacturers to compete on a global scale, there are barriers in the form of lack of a knowledge base, limited talent, cost of new equipment, and complex technology implementation strategies. In order for manufacturers in the Windsor-Essex region to adopt the convergence of these technologies, a new and more sustainable model of technology research and adoption will need to be employed. The objective of this project is to support these innovation priorities, stimulating innovation in Industry 4.0 product and process design, while training highly qualified personnel. St. Clair College will work with various manufacturers to de-risk technology adoption and integrate Industry 4.0 solutions into manufacturing product and production processes, in order to compete globally.