GUEST COLUMN:
Professor Anne Nortcliffe
Dean of Faculty of Arts, Computing and Engineering
Wrexham University
The landscape of manufacturing is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with the shift from manual processes to highly automated systems becoming the new standard.
At the heart of this transformation are emerging technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Industry 4.0 solutions, which are fundamentally changing the way we produce goods.
Advanced manufacturing, particularly at the high end, has embraced automation in unprecedented ways. Historically, automation was largely confined to specific sectors, such as car manufacturing, where robots have been a staple for over 30 years. If you look at the precision and efficiency of production lines like BMW's MINI plant, it’s easy to see the success of integrating robotic systems to achieve high-quality output. These robots have taken over repetitive tasks that require strength and speed, while human workers focus on more intricate tasks that demand dexterity and problem-solving skills- areas where humans excel.
This is the crux of the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0. It’s not just about automating processes, but about creating a collaborative environment where human workers and robots co-exist, each complementing the other's strengths. Humans perform the nuanced, complex tasks that machines struggle with, while robots take on the repetitive, high-precision work that can strain human workers.
It’s this collaboration that will drive the future of manufacturing, creating more efficient, flexible, and safe production environments. This kind of symbiotic relationship between man and machine is what makes Industry 5.0 such an exciting prospect. It’s not just about replacing workers with robots; it’s about augmenting human capabilities with technology.
At Wrexham University and many other higher education institutions across the UK, we are at the forefront of this transformation. Our responsibility is to ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is ready for the demands of advanced manufacturing. This means providing students not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical, hands-on experience working with the latest technologies.
One of the key aspects of our work is in supporting Industry 4.0 and beyond, helping businesses integrate automation systems that move them away from traditional, manual manufacturing processes. We work closely with industry leaders such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), who play a vital role in guiding businesses toward adopting these new technologies. The AMRC’s involvement in promoting automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies is instrumental in enabling businesses, large and small, to transition into the future of production.
Our focus is on ensuring that students understand the full spectrum of Industry 4.0 technologies, from robotics and AI to data analytics and machine learning. These tools are no longer niche; they are becoming the core of every advanced manufacturing operation.
We’re preparing our students to work in these environments. We’re not just teaching them how to operate machines—we’re teaching them how to collaborate with technology, understand its limitations, and apply their human strengths to complement the capabilities of robots and AI systems.
Higher education institutions are not only responsible for training the next generation of engineers and technicians but also play a key role in developing new technologies and processes through research and collaboration with industry leaders.
At Wrexham University, our engineering faculty actively engages with local and international manufacturing companies to ensure our curricula align with industry needs. We are proud to offer students the opportunity to work on real-world projects that provide insight into the challenges businesses face in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies.
We also encourage entrepreneurial thinking among our students, fostering an environment where they can develop new ideas and solutions that could lead to breakthroughs in manufacturing. By combining technical expertise with innovative thinking, we hope to produce graduates who can not only meet the demands of today’s manufacturing sector but lead it into the future.
Higher education’s role in advanced manufacturing is pivotal. At Wrexham University, we’re committed to preparing the next generation of engineers and technologists to thrive in this environment, ensuring that the future of manufacturing in Wales and beyond is brighter, more sustainable, and more innovative than ever before.
