Consortium

The Hub is made up of four key university partners who are responsible for delivering the vision and research.

The core activity is based at the University of Huddersfield, which has research strengths in mathematics for metrology, optical sensors/instruments, surface metrology and machine-tool metrology.

These are complemented by research in large-scale/volume measurement systems (Loughborough and Bath Universities) and manufacturing data analytics (University of Sheffield).

Huddersfield

The Centre for Precision Technologies (CPT) based at the University of Huddersfield has an unrivalled track record of world class metrology research and has a team of over 35 researchers supplemented by technicians and support staff. The team has a wide ranging expertise in surface metrology techniques and applications, mathematics for metrology, optical instrument development, machine tool metrology and X-Ray Computed Tomography. The CPT has state-of-the art lab facilities and equipment including a specialist optics lab, a class 10,000 cleanroom and an ultra-precision machining lab.

The CPT has an excellent reputation for collaborations with industry and has successfully delivered projects across a broad spectrum of sectors. Huddersfield is also the location of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) North of England regional hub which has its own lab facilities and specialises in dimensional measurement of complex components and assemblies.

Bath

The University of Bath brings significant expertise in large volume metrology, actuation and control technology to the consortium. They are recognised for their experience in interdisciplinary research both within academia and industry and have a strong track record of translating research into industrially beneficial outputs.

Loughborough

The team from Loughborough has a world-leading reputation for its research in optical engineering/automation and has previously been recognised for its excellence in optical engineering and high value manufacturing. They are contributing significant expertise in large scale/volume measurement technologies which can be embedded into manufacturing platforms.

Sheffield

The University of Sheffield’s Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering (ACSE) brings a wealth of experience in data science and analytics which is critical to delivering the Hub’s vision of enabling beyond state-of-the-art optimisation of the manufacturing process, system validation and product monitoring. This is further enhanced by the expertise in manufacturing technology at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) which is recognised as an exemplar of collaborative R&D and partnership with industry.