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S$60m lab set up to develop manufacturing technology

SINGAPORE — A joint lab which will develop smart manufacturing technologies was launched yesterday by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), British manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce and Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL).

Mr Lim Chuan Poh, chairman of A*Star, highlighted that the aerospace industry is a key sector in manufacturing, with a total output of more than S$8billion. TODAY file photo

Mr Lim Chuan Poh, chairman of A*Star, highlighted that the aerospace industry is a key sector in manufacturing, with a total output of more than S$8billion. TODAY file photo

SINGAPORE — A joint lab which will develop smart manufacturing technologies was launched yesterday by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), British manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce and Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL).

The three parties will invest up to S$60 million in the five-year project.

The Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab will develop next-generation aerospace manufacturing technology as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities which will be enabled by advanced processes, automation and digital technologies.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held on Sunday, Mr Lim Chuan Poh, chairman of A*Star, highlighted that the aerospace industry is a key sector in manufacturing, with a total output of more than S$8 billion — 85 per cent of which comes from MRO activities.

He also noted that Rolls-Royce is one of A*Star’s most valuable partners in collaborative research that kickstarts innovation for the aerospace industry, with more than 300 joint projects under their belt.

“The focus of the Joint Lab is to allow the partners to co-develop technologies which will eventually be adopted on-site at Rolls-Royce’s and SAESL’s facilities to improve productivity, save costs and enhance competitiveness,” said Mr Lim.

The programme comprises five main themes, including smart assembly systems, or the application of intelligent automation across processes such as module assembly, alignment, functional testing and inspection.

Other future manufacturing processes that will be developed at the lab involve robotics and the use of digital methods to improve factors like quality, cost and delivery performance.

One of its goals is for the local manufacturing industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to adopt the latest technologies and be part of the global manufacturing supply chain for Singapore’s future economy.

These new business opportunities could then form a robust high-value aerospace-related business ecosystem for local enterprises, A*Star said.

Rolls-Royce chairman Ian Davis said: “This agreement is further evidence of our special relationship with Singapore that began over 50 years ago. This continues to flourish as we make groundbreaking technological advances together. Singapore, as demonstrated by its Future of Manufacturing initiative, is continually transforming, able and inventive. That is why it is a compelling partner.”

As an important aviation hub, Singapore attracts one of the largest and most diverse concentrations of aerospace companies, A*Star added.

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