30 May IMR at MASC 2023
Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) made a strong impression at the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Exhibition and Conference 2023 (MASC 2023), held at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin on May 23rd and 24th. The event showcased IMR’s expertise and offerings to the manufacturing industry through various engaging activities and presentations.
At the IMR exhibition area, attendees were treated to a robotics demonstration game. This demonstrated the ability to remotely control a serial robot with virtual reality (VR) devices that track hand gestures. The human movements are communicated via wireless technology to the robot. Through the use of live camera feedback, the operator can interact with the remotely located robot system. Application spaces of such systems include restrictive and critical working environments. Additionally, IMR had four large interactive touchscreen kiosk stands that provided insights into the organisation’s comprehensive range of research, training, services, tools, assessments, and projects.
IMR also had a notable presence in the inaugural Enterprise Ireland (EI) Tech Centres area, which included eight EI Tech centres: IMR, Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI), Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC), Learnovate, CeADAR, Meat Technology Ireland (MTI), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre (PMTC) and Food for Health Ireland (FHI). In this space, IMR showcased its ever-expanding training offerings.
The EI Tech Centres area also featured a stage that focused on the theme of “Innovation Through Research Collaboration”. Dr. Fergus Quilligan, the Director of Analytics at IMR, delivered a talk on “Delivering Value from Digital Transformation” on Day 1, while CIO Andrew Lynch moderated a panel discussion on “Driving & Powering the Irish economy: Why would you engage with a tech centre?” The panel included industry experts such as Dr. Anne Marie Henihan (DPTC), John Colreavy (MTI), Dr. Nessa Noronha (FHI), and Adrian Mullett (CeADAR). Andrew Lynch also took to the main stage on Day 1 to deliver a talk on “Supply Chain Evolution for a New World Order – a global perspective.”
On Day 2, Diana Vaz discussed “The Role of Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in the decarbonisation of industry” on the main stage, which aligned with the stage’s sustainable theme for the day. Tamara Wierks moderated a panel discussion on the EI Tech Centres stage, focusing on “Driving & Empowering the Workforce and Technologies of the Future.” The panel comprised Linda Waters (Learnovate), Sean Costello (Innopharma), and John Morrissey (MCCI).
IMR’s involvement in the H2020 ADMA TranS4MErs project was also highlighted at the event, with a dedicated booth that introduced the project’s opportunities for manufacturing SMEs, service providers and industry experts linked to the project’s Acceleration Programme and the ongoing OPEN CALL.
Overall, IMR’s appearance at the MASC 2023 event was huge team effort marked by engaging exhibits, informative talks, and valuable collaborations, showcasing IMR’s commitment to driving innovation and advancement in the manufacturing industry.