Editor’s Note

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SYED SHAH – Managing Editor, Manufacturers’ Monthly

The cyber-physical in 2022

DO you remember the Tesla Cybertruck? Reliabilitywise, everyone had their doubts, let alone the 80s comic book look which did leave a lot to be desired. Whether it was the unusually geometric design, or the failed testing of its “bulletproof” windows (video demonstration available on YouTube), there was definitely room for improvement in the vehicle’s presentation.

Still, despite having many detractors, there were some who came out and described Musk’s ute as “revolutionary”, and now, while it is still not the most popular vehicle in the market, like all great leaps forward in engineering, it did have its merits.

The finished product was a step into the future where software and hardware had been integrated in the process of manufacturing. For those who own Teslas, you would know that onboard software upgrades are delivered over-the-air. This means not only do you get your Stan or HBO to the onboard dashboard, but back in 2019, when there were wildfires in California, US, Tesla was able to unlock extra range through the software to guide drivers home safely. Such a function is a two-way street for both the manufacturer and the user to get more out of the product.

Australian manufacturers have begun to use a lot more IoT-related products and services, and this has encouraged more quality providers to come to the market. In this issue, there are a few stories that feature developments in advanced manufacturing. These days, it is not only about making products last longer, but how manufacturers in different verticals are grappling with the challenges faced within their individual sectors.

Whether this is in the form of skill shortages affecting the welding profession, which Lorch’s David Wilton speaks to us about how cobot welding helps alleviate such issues by taking away the stress of repetitive tasks, or the question of the realignment of advanced tasks for welders, who can then be more productive to the business. In this question and answer segment, we explore on how software and automation is becoming inseparable from hardware, but yet still dependable on “heartware”.

Also, this issue, we speak to Central Innovation who sources, builds and advises on world-class design process solutions to the manufacturing, architecture, engineering and construction industries. Managing director, Mike Russell explained that for a long time, there have been many Australian companies that have operated without a proper integrated system but ever since the pandemic, he has seen the trend change with businesses starting to adopt these systems into their workflow and products.

And this is only natural because manufacturers have had to differentiate their products for the markets in which they serve. Previously, the prospect of navigating the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as cloud computing and cyber-physical systems might have been a complex and expensive journey for some, but not anymore.

With manufacturing now taking centre stage alongside other national priorities, it will be interesting to see the added investment into the area in the upcoming federal budget. Expect some cheers and groans but on the whole, as long as there is ample support given to move this industry forward, more than some would be relieved.