Building Networks and Creating Values 51 3rd September ROS-I Asia Pacific Workshop (2020 and 2021) The ROS-Industrial Asia Pacific workshop is an annual event that takes place as a one-day digital webinar to share and exchange expertise on the latest advanced capabilities of the Robot Operating System (ROS) software to manufacturing. The ROS-Industrial Consortium Asia Pacific @ ARTC continues to bridge the gaps between the industry and the community in the adoption of ROS and robotics. They work closely with our industry partners and develop modules that can cater to industrial needs while providing training opportunities for aspiring roboticists that are embarking on leveraging ROS to scale their robotics adoption. 7th - 8th September 2nd International Conference on Advanced Surface Enhancement (INCASE 2021) The 2nd International Conference on Advanced Surface Enhancement (INCASE 2021) held once every 2 years had over 100 attendees from 15 countries and territories who participated in meaningful discussions on the progress in surface enhancement technologies. In addition, 60 keynotes, oral, and poster presentations were delivered live, with interactive Q&A and networking opportunities.
52 Building Networks and Creating Values Connecting People, Ideas and Opportunities The second half of 2019 has been Bi-Annual Technical International an eventful period where events Meeting Conference on were held physically in ARTC. The Advanced Surface year 2019 came to a successful 2nd - 5th Enhancement closure with the organisation of September (INCASE) the Bi-Annual Technical Meeting (BTM), the very first international 10th - 13th conference on Advanced Surface September Enhancement (INCASE), the Industrial Transformation Asia- Pacific (ITAP), and the SFFxSwitch event. 2019 Industrial Transformation Asia Pacific (ITAP) 22nd - 24th October SFF x SWITCH 11th - 15th November
Building Networks and Creating Values 53 2020 has been a remarkably difficult year as the COVID-19 pandemic brought many of the physical events to a screeching halt. But always resilient and adapting to the new normal, ARTC has converted many of our physical meetings and events into virtual ones to continue maintaining business relationships with our partners. Bi-Annual Technical Virtual Bi-Annual Meeting/A RTC Technical Meeting Startup Challenge 2nd - 3rd 11th - 13th September February 2020 ROS-Industrial A*STAR – Abrasive ConsortiumA sia Engineering Joint Lab Pacific Workshop A*STAR – Tru Marine Joint Lab 29th October 15th December
54 Building Networks and Creating Values Connecting People, Ideas and Opportunities Hybrid Bi-Annual ARTC Startup Technical Meeting Challenge 2nd - 5th Feb 5th Feb 2021 LTA anchor Membership Signing 1st Apr A*STAR - Arcstone Joint Lab 17th Jun
Building Networks and Creating Values 55 2021 sees a gradual recovery of ROS- Industrial Asia Hybrid Bi-Annual activities as Singapore continues Pacific Workshop Technical Meeting to forge on to open its economy. With the further easing of the 18th Aug 1st - 3rd Sep COVID-19 safe management measures, many of our events ARTC Startup Day International provide the option of organising Conference on it in a hybrid format. Events 3rd Sep Advanced Surface like the Bi-Annual Technical Enhancement Meeting and Startup Day were (INCASE 2021) held in a hybrid format where some of our members and 7th - 8th Sep startups attended physically for networking opportunities. The year also witnessed the official launch of the A*STAR- Arcstone digital manufacturing joint lab set to develop the next- generation manufacturing execution systems (MES) from Arcstone’s existing solutions. Lastly, a signing ceremony between ARTC and Hyundai Motor Group was arranged to celebrate the alliance of developing the land transport cluster in Singapore together with other members of the consortium. Hyundai Motor Membership Signing 15th Nov
56 Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership We strive to make a difference within our membership ecosystem by constantly innovating with our partners. Programmes and initiatives from ARTC are positioned to build sustainable relationships with our partners and equip them with modern equipment, technology, and knowledge to accelerate their technology deployment in the manufacturing domain.
Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership 57 Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership Joint Labs Mr Tan Ser Huan, Managing Director, Abrasive Our joint labs with members play a key role in facilitating Engineering presenting to Dr Tan See Leng, technology transfer and enhancing collaboration between our partner company and A*STAR research Second Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry institutes to accelerate technology deployment. Through investments in research and developments (R&D) in advanced manufacturing, the joint lab will enable the collective development of deep capabilities to develop solutions for real-world problems and support our partners in their market expansion initiatives and drive competitiveness in the industry. Joint-lab partners will be able to enhance the performance and potential of products while reducing the time to market. Following the A*STAR – SAESL joint lab that was established in 2019, ARTC continues to form valuable long-term relationships with the SMEs. In the past two years, we witness the launch of the joint lab with SMEs such as Abrasive Engineering, Tru- Marine, and Arcstone. Mr James Loke, Group Chief Executive Officer, Tru-Marine presenting to Dr Tan See Leng, Second Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ms Chan Lai Fung, Chairman, Agency for Science, Technology and Research Singapore A*STAR – Abrasive Engineering joint lab • Building advanced manufacturing capabilities to develop four new products (three types of media dosing units and one automated blasting room system) • To become future-ready to sustain revenue growth, creates new jobs for local economy and supports global market expansion to the global market A*STAR – Tru-Marine joint lab • Developing a real-time monitoring system that enables changes in business model through adopting predictive maintenance technologies. • Reducing the amount of time required for research and development for product to go into the market A*STAR – Arcstone joint lab • Elevating the next generation of digital toolsets to digitalise manufacturing sector through an interface that is easy to use and configurable for first-time users Photo taken at the joint lab signing ceremony with • Joint lab aims to help other local small and Dr Tan See Leng, Second Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry and representative from A*STAR, medium sized enterprise (SME) to speed up digital Abrasive Engineering, Tru-Marine & Arcstone transformation in their factories These joint lab initiatives will act as a catalyst for companies in developing and transforming technologies to exploit market opportunities.
58 Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership Researcher from ARTC reviewing statistic on the screen at the Supply Chain Control Tower (SCCT) Overview for SCCT Supply Chain 4.0 Programme The Supply Chain 4.0 Programme aims to research and co-develop deployable digital and automation technologies with industry partners to enable responsive, resilient, and secured supply chains for Singapore-based companies. Together with our research ecosystem consisting of government agencies, industry partners, and research performers, the program will concentrate its innovation efforts in namely five industries - aerospace, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, and semiconductors. With these end-users in mind, researchers will co-create solutions with businesses such as software solution providers, system integrators, logistics companies, and retailers. Using Industry 4.0 technologies, researchers will undertake projects in three areas: Digital Value Digital Value Smart Warehouse Chain Optimisation Automation & Next- Generation Logistics These solutions will help companies to secure supply chain monitoring, better manage disruption and manage the movement of goods. These solutions can be test-bedded in the newly built Supply Chain Control Tower at ARTC to de- risk investments for our partners. As part of the initiative, training courses are offered to help train the local manufacturing workforce in Supply Chain 4.0 technologies to prepare for the future of manufacturing.
Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership 59 A*STAR Advanced Manufacturing Startup Challenge Breaking molds, fixing problems, and empowering individuals to build the future – startups are the future of the growing manufacturing industry. As the main driving force to build the future of manufacturing, startups are most suitable to implement inventions that contribute to the acceleration in the development of new technology and enhance our membership ecosystem. The A*STAR Advanced Manufacturing Startup Challenge strives to attract, incubate and scale up the startup community in the advanced manufacturing sector. By providing them with modern facilities and equipment, and mentorship in technological expertise, startups can further develop their capabilities in innovating disruptive technology to solve real-time industrial problem statements proposed by members of the ARTC consortium. To date, we have organised two startup challenges with involvement from ten industrial partners. More than a hundred startups have competed and winners were rewarded with prizes such as the ARTC membership, innovation vouchers, and an accelerator programme that supports them to work with leading industrial companies to develop proof-of-concept (POC) projects. The past two years witnessed the conceptualisation of eight industrial proofs-of-concept and the induction of six startups into our membership ecosystem. With the continuous support from the A*STAR enterprise division, our programme is set to run the third cycle of the startup challenge, with Automation 4.0 as its theme. We look forward to supporting our emerging startups in their revolutionary innovation and accelerating their growth in the manufacturing region. (Left) Mr Andy Lee Director, New Business and Digital & Ms Sutrishni Lestary, Senior Account Executive, (Right) Winner of ARTC Startup Challenge 2021 Mr Hari Quincus presenting to attendees Nair,Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder and Mr Jason Wong, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Zuno Mr Karthik Thothathri, Chief Technology Officer and Mr Gabriel Yee, Managing Director, Myrlabs (Right) Mr Tan Yee Jiat, Management Associate, Wavescan presenting to attendees presenting to attendees
60 Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership Next-Generation Hyper Personalisation Line (NGHPL) The Next Generation Hyper Personalisation Line made its official launch to our consortium members on the 3rd of September 2021. Serving as a platform to collaborate closely with our partners, the NGHPL spearheads the innovation of technologies in developing smart, flexible, and integrated lines relevant to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Our innovation efforts in NGHPL concentrate on tackling challenging industrial problem statements such as the production of a low volume of highly personalised products without incurring any losses to the organisation. Utilising Industry 4.0 technologies, our research in NGHPL undertakes projects in smart filing and dispensing, robotic automation for customised order fulfillment, and smart manufacturing for high mix, volume, and speed. These solutions will support companies to integrate automation into fulfilling customised orders and maintaining agility in manufacturing while developing real-time connectivity for tracking and optimising these processes. The NGHPL will serve as a physical testbed for piloting cyber-physical systems and technologies to de-risk investments and co-create value for local and global enterprises while generating capabilities towards industrial implementation. A demonstration of the smart order replenishment line that minimise the need for manual labor in depalletising, uncasing and unloading pallets A demonstration of the Batch 1 production line that focus A demonstration of in line pouch inspection line that on customised smart filing and dispensing assures image integrity and high quality true color image of pouches on moving conveyor
Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership 61 5G Smart Factory The smart factory of tomorrow is envisioned with seamless well-connected tools, accumulating huge data ranging from a different location and analysing them to guide workers to make informed decisions. Filled with wireless robots and sensors, it will enhance the monitoring of the working environment and provide better control and surveillance into the factory and supply chain operations. In our collaboration with Singtel, our ARTC smart factory adopts 5G’s high speed and low latency to enhance these factory operations and processes. Realising the potential of the 5G network with the Industry 4.0 technology embolden ARTC’s epitome in creating a well-connected end-to-end platform. 5G can be a game-changer for Industry 4.0 technologies like mobile robots, analytics services, and IoT. Our researchers conduct research and co-develop deployable 5G-enabled advanced manufacturing applications with our industry partners to accelerate technology deployment in manufacturing. A manufacturing station can undergo reconfiguration intelligently and autonomously, with the interchanging of machining tools and different arrangements on manufacturing steps. To truly reap the full potential and benefits of 5G; particularly in the proof-of-concept work with industrial 5G applications, we hope to utilise this opportunity to work closely with our industry partners on 5G as a testbed platform to implement their industrial applications. This will aid the evaluation of 5G connectivity performance in the manufacturing environment and on industrial protocols that are conducted.
62 Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership Robot Operating System Industrial (ROS-I) As a global consortium with regional presence across America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, the ROS-I is a vibrant ecosystem of robotic companies, research institutions, and institutions of higher learning to proliferate the adoption of ROS. Managing the Asia-Pacific region, our researchers in ARTC focus on the unique integration of cutting-edge ROS capabilities in manufacturing. Tailored to the needs of manufacturers, the ROS-industrial consortium’s mandate is to enable businesses to adopt ROS for industrial, commercial, and critical applications, effectively lowering technology and cost barriers for the ROS community of companies within the region. Through understanding our members’ requirements, we support them through their journey of ROS in terms of awareness, training, and technical capabilities. The ROS-Industrial consortium has significantly grown with over eighty members’ globally, of which eighteen are from the Asia Pacific region. In addition, there is also an increase of projects with large end-users in the manufacturing, logistics, and facilities management, who are keen on test-bedding multiple ROS modules based on their operating environment. The consortium will continue to strive in becoming one of the catalysts in enabling open-source robotics innovation in Singapore and supporting smart nation initiatives as well as industrial transformation.
Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership 63 Towards a Manufacturing Net Zero Future Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 charts ambitious and concrete targets over the next ten years to achieve the long-term net-zero emissions aspiration and make Singapore a regional hub for green solutions and services. This sustainability imperative is growing within the manufacturing sector. To accelerate the journey towards a sustainable manufacturing net zero future, a task force from ARTC and Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) was formed to support needs in driving sustainable initiatives for the manufacturing domain. Through collaboration, ARTC and SIMTech’s capabilities will help companies in achieving science-based sustainability targets and transit to low-carbon and circular economy through life cycle engineering. These capabilities include: Life Cycle Assessment Energy Management and Costing • Improving energy efficiency through reducing • Accessing environmental and economic energy consumption and losses performance of processes, products, and systems over their entire life cycle and setting • Use cases: energy efficiency monitoring and science-based targets analysis system (E²MAS) to enable real time visibility of energy efficiency and auto-alert • Use cases: biodiesel derived from waste of process anomalies, and the energy and cooking oil, photovoltaic (PV) electricity comfort management system (ECMaS) generation, circular production systems for to improve energy efficiency of heating, electrical and electronics equipment ventilation and air conditioning systems Water and Waste Management Waste-to-Resource Processing • Improving efficiency and utilisation of • Improving material efficiency and minimising resources through reducing consumption waste through reducing material consumption and closing the loop towards a circular and closing the material loop towards a economy circular economy • Use cases: water-energy nexus monitoring • Use cases: liquid waste separation and and analysis system (WENMAS) to enable valorisation to regenerate valuable solvent real-time visibility of water and energy resources using novel material for water- flows within a shopfloor or wastewater solvent and solvent-solvent separation management system, and the smart waste audit and tracking (SWAT) to enable real-time visibility of waste generation and auto-alert of process anomalies
64 Making a Difference Through Deep Partnership Co-Create, Co-Innovate, Co-Translate in MedTech Manufacturing Alliance (MTMA) The MedTech Manufacturing Alliance is a collaborative platform represented by A*STAR research institutes (RIs), institutes of higher learning (IHLs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), global medical equipment providers as well as SMEs. Through the membership ecosystem, the alliance aims to develop R&D solutions based on real problem statements in the medical and healthcare industry to shape the future of societal healthcare in Singapore. An end-to-end hub to spearhead MedTech Manufacturing research and innovation in Singapore and to build a robust ecosystem with our industry partners, spearhead focusing in 3 areas: Smart Manufacturing Diagnostic and Remote Laboratory Automation - –A Seamless Automated Monitoring – Bringing Empowering Global Health Manufacturing Operation Healthcare to People Through Impactful Innovation Process Point-of-care diagnostics and Dedicated to creating a future where decentralised monitoring can automated handling of lab processes Harnessing the benefits of Industry play a decisive role for patient care with minimal touchpoints with 4.0 technologies such as robotics, beyond the hospital, enabling more lab results automatically tracked automation, artificial intelligence, rapid clinical decision-making in from start to finish throughout the machine learning, manufacturing the process of diagnosis, treatment diagnostics processes in a connected operations in smart factories choice, progress monitoring, and lab environment. Our innovation to relieve manpower shortage prognosis. Our capabilities in concentrates on utilising the state- and improve manufacturing design, process technologies and of-the-art technology to robotise performance. Automation and integration of microfluidics and process flow and perform complex Digitalisation will stimulate printed electronics components liquid handling requirements. manufacturing transformation and will benefit companies looking to help companies on their journey realise their advanced solutions to drive sustainable processes, for chronic and infectious disease elevate competitiveness, and enable diagnostics and monitoring. resilience. Seeking to change our world Spearhead Discover Transforming ideas into for the better with a relentless Innovation Market potential opportunities innovative spirit. Embracing Opportunities for growth and market creative and continuous expansion. improvement in our R&D translational work. Deliver Societal Impact Creating a positive influence towards the local community and public services of healthcare in Singapore.
65 Our Technology Groups ARTC’s ecosystem focuses on building research and development efforts in the areas of aerospace, heavy machinery, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), medtech, and land transport to enhance Singapore’s competitive advantage in the long term. Our research and innovation on industry 4.0 technologies are categorised into seven key technological streams to support our members in developing new products, technologies, and new ways to manufacture existing products. This will fuel business growth for our members and provide a competitive edge for SMEs in the global marketplace.
66 Our Technology Groups Additive ManufacturingARTC Yearbook 2020-2021 Industrialisation Technology Overview We offer technologies for product life cycle management, cost-effectiveness, industrialisation, and sustainability to achieve shorter time-to-market. Our strong collaboration with the regional additive manufacturing ecosystem enables us to deliver system/part level design to manufacturing solution development and serve as a one-stop additive manufacturing hub for new product owners. Potential Applications • Complex Aerospace components such as brackets, nozzles present in aircraft and jet engines, and antennas and phase change material panels for satellites • Replacement parts for Marine & Offshore that require quick turnaround and support for obsolete machinery • Efficient energy storage systems such as heat exchanges, cold plates for Electric Vehicles • Improved inserts life by embedding conformal cooling channels for Tooling industries Product Design Development Material Performance Management Additive Manufacturing Process Optimisation
Our Technology Groups 67 Advanced Remanufacturing Technology Overview We provide a development platform for the application of advanced manufacturing, repair, and restoration technologies to the industries. Our portfolio of processes available includes plant and process simulation with cell concept creation, smart process fixturing, surface preparation, as well as hybrid processes and technologies. The know- how is captured in support of the development of manufacturing and remanufacturing industries. Potential Applications • Multinational OEMs in areas such as Transport, Engineering, Energy, and Infrastructure: manufacture, repair, and restoration components to serviceable condition, as well as remanufacturing of products • Local Small and Medium Enterprises: improvements of manufacturing and remanufacturing operational environment • Public Agencies: expert recommendations and established baselines/technology roadmaps Intelligent Machining Technologies Regenerative Repair Processes Industrial Automation Expert Systems for Manufacturing and Remanufacturing
68 Our Technology Groups ARTC Yearbook 2020-2021 Advanced Robotics Applications Technology Overview Advanced Robotic Applications Group focuses on developing core capabilities in the areas of Process Robotisation, Robotic Intelligence, Mobile Robotics, Human-Robot collaboration, and Inter- Operable Factory Robotic Systems. These advanced technological capabilities enable the team to drive the adoption of simplified and intelligent robotic solutions in the industry. Potential Applications • Process Robotisation: Material Surface Processing, Assembly/Dis-assembly, Machine Tending, Pick/Place/Pack, End-of-line and warehouse automation • Robotic Intelligence: Modular software packages and AI-based 2D/3D perception algorithm to simplify robot programming • Mobile Robotics: AMR/AGV- Factory systems integration with interoperability and enable mobile manipulation for advanced and future-ready automation. • Human-Robot collaboration & Inter-Operable Factory Robotic Systems: Total factory automation solution from individual process robotisation to full shop-floor layout design, with simulation and virtual commissioning Process Robotisation Robotic Intelligence Human-Robot Collaboration & Inter- Mobile Robotics Operable Factory Robotic Systems
Our Technology Groups 69 Data-Driven Surface Enhancement Technology Overview The Data-driven Surface Enhancement (DSE) group specialises in surface engineering technologies – utilising them to improve functionality, performance, and longevity of components. The technologies encompass surface finishing, advanced sub-surface enhancement, surface preparation and cleaning processes. By leveraging deep process knowledge and comprehensive capabilities in material characterisation, the DSE group delivers surface process optimisation and automation to achieve improve productivity and quality for various industries. Potential Applications • Surface finishing on rough surfaces from wrought to additive manufactured metal components • Surface treatment & preparation of complex metal components for repair & remanufacturing • Fatigue enhancement on critical components in land transport, aerospace, and marine & offshore • Protective and functional surface engineering for industry and commercial components Surface Finishing Sub-surface Enhancement Surface Functionality Material Characterisation
70 Our Technology Groups ARTC Yearbook 2020-2021 Intelligent Product Verification Technology Overview The Intelligent Product Verification Group (IPV) brings intelligent data-driven solutions to industry members for automated product inspection, measurement, defect detection, predictive maintenance, and process improvement. IPV exploits leading technologies and sensors in non- destructive evaluation, machine visions, measurement, and condition monitoring, supported by complex signal and image processing algorithms enhanced by artificial intelligence, to deliver customised solutions for our members’ requirements. Potential Applications • Non-destructive defect detection in metals, non-metals, and composites • Verification of additively and conventionally manufactured components • In-situ in-line vision inspection on the production line • Machine failure monitoring and predictive maintenance in real-time • Novel applications of sensor technologies for part quality and process monitoring • Part quality verification (dimension and geometry) and reverse engineering Instrumentation Non-Destructive Evaluation Inspection Condition Monitoring
Our Technology Groups 71 Digital Manufacturing Group Technology Overview Digital Manufacturing Group develops digital solutions that interconnect information technology and operational technology system via secured & real-time connectivity for intelligent, productive and efficient manufacturing processes and digitally connected and resilient supply chain. Potential Applications • AI-assisted demand and supply forecasting and planning • 2D/3D vision analytics for recognition and detection on objects, humans, and places • IIoT based edge computation for automated overall equipment effectiveness calculation, machine integration, track-and-trace and decision making • 5G enabled edge computing for factory automations: part delivery systems, robotic automation, augmented & virtual reality (AR/VR) and digital twin applications • Big data management and analytics for production preparation, optimisation, yield improvement and sustainable developments AI-powered Manufacturing Manufacturing Operation and Process Digitalisation 5G-enabled Factory Automations Data-driven Manufacturing Intelligence and Control
72 Our Technology Groups ARTC Yearbook 2020-2021 Virtual Manufacturing Group Technology Overview The Virtual Manufacturing Group deploys a wide range of technologies and solutions that can be applied to various industries such as mechanical engineering, machinery, aerospace, energy, and FMCG. Some of the technologies include modeling, simulation, Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR & AR), Digital Twin, sustainability enabled by IIoT platforms for business, production, supply chain planning, and execution. Potential Applications • VR & AR applications for product design, layout optimisation, training, operation, and remote collaboration • Simulation to design and optimise supply chain and production processes • IIoT-enabled sustainability applications for sustainable product lifecycle management, supply chain design, energy monitoring, and inventory optimisation • Digital Twin applications and digitalisation strategy technology roadmap creation Extended Reality Supply Chain Production Simulation Digital Twin
73 Growing Together as One Team ARTC values and practices diversity and inclusion where our strong belief focuses on cultivating a positive company culture to empower our advancement in developing innovative technology. Together, we continue to build and foster an environment that encourages, supports, and celebrates different voices; where our people can flourish both as professionals and individuals to contribute to the research industry. We believe in bringing our talents together to form excellent teams, each person playing their part to elevate the manufacturing industry to greater heights.
74 Growing Together as One Team
Growing Together as One Team 75 Images were taken during events organised in pre-COVID times.
76 ARTC Yearbook 2020-2021 Advanced Remanufacturing & Technology Centre (ARTC) 3 Cleantech Loop, #01-01, CleanTech Two, Singapore 637143 +65 6908 7800 | www.a-star.edu.sg/ARTC www.linkedin.com/company/artcsg
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