Experts in automation and connected factories gather in Galway for Ibec Medtech and Engineering event

Ibec Medtech and Engineering, the Ibec group which represents the sectors, is today holding its Manufacturing the Future Conference in Galway, where experts in the fields of automation, connected factories and the Internet of Things shall gather. The conference takes place against the backdrop of the publication of the group’s report ‘The race to embrace digital manufacturing: Lessons from Ireland’s journey’ (see attached). The report revealed that six in ten business leaders intend to invest in connected factories and the Internet of Things and more than two-thirds of those surveyed are already implementing automation.

Irish Medtech Association Senior Executive Adrienne McDonnell said, “All around the world smart technologies are changing the way people live and work. Similarly, the rapid evolution of production, information and operating technology is slowly transforming manufacturing. Making strategic choices about the digitalisation of manufacturing will differentiate Irish operations and overall global competitiveness. This conference will support leaders to make better decisions on areas like advanced technologies, sustainability and leaner and greener manufacturing. Along with benchmarking, best practice sharing is key for businesses to effectively embrace advanced manufacturing. We’re excited to have experts from world-class businesses like DePuy Synthes, Boston Scientific and Siemens sharing their insights today.

“Smart factories are transforming manufacturing and four out of five member companies surveyed said that automation of manufacturing was critical to their success. While eight out of ten expect digitalisation to lead to increased resource efficiency, one of the greatest barriers to advanced manufacturing is integrating new technologies according to half of the respondents. One of the keys to tackling this challenge is employee engagement and upskilling with seven in ten manufacturing leaders saying that further training of employees is critical.

“We would like to thank our sponsors for their support, Platinum Sponsors Siemens and Boston Scientific; Gold Sponsor, Stryker; Silver Sponsors, Accenture, Caragh Precision, DePuy Synthes, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Irish Manufacturing Research, Irish Medtech Skillnet, and LBS Partners”.