18 Mar Thriving Amid Rapid Change: Embracing AI Impact
The engineering world is no stranger to transformation, but as Barry Kennedy, CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), observes, few technologies have reshaped the landscape as rapidly as artificial intelligence (AI) has in the past 18 months. Speaking on Engineers Ireland’s podcast AMPLIFIED with Dusty Rhodes, Barry delved into how engineers can not only keep pace with such advancements but thrive in this ever-changing environment.
Adapting to Stay Ahead
Barry highlights the vital role of manufacturing in Ireland, contributing 37% to the country’s GDP. Yet, despite Ireland’s ranking as the world’s most productive country, Barry cautions against complacency. “Ireland is 23rd globally in digital competitiveness,” he points out, stressing the urgency to adopt technologies like robotics and AI. “With high labour costs, our manufacturers must innovate to remain competitive or risk falling behind nations like Germany and South Korea, which have far higher automation adoption rates.”
IMR’s mission to “demystify, derisk, and deliver” cutting-edge technology directly addresses this challenge. Barry describes how IMR bridges the gap between academic research and industrial application, offering late-stage solutions that tackle real-world problems.
Innovative Projects Driving Impact
Barry shares several examples of IMR’s innovative projects, including a collaboration with Airbus to develop a robotic wing inspection system. Traditional methods relied on human inspections from cherry pickers, but IMR introduced a scanning system equipped with AI-enabled robots. This approach not only increased precision but also positioned a Mullingar-based partner, TEG, as a direct supplier to Airbus, demonstrating the dual benefits of technological innovation and business growth.
Another fascinating project involved using collaborative robotics to automate box-packing for a Midlands company. The system used AI to dynamically adjust the positioning of items in a box, solving a longstanding efficiency issue. Barry emphasises how such solutions illustrate the transformative potential of robotics, not only in enhancing productivity but also in elevating human workers to focus on higher-value tasks.
The Human Touch in Engineering
Barry’s reflections extend beyond technology to the heart of engineering—its people. He underscores the importance of fostering an environment where creativity thrives. “The best ideas come when engineers are relaxed and inspired,” he says. This ethos is central to IMR’s culture, which encourages collaborative problem-solving and gamification to tackle challenges in a positive, engaging way.
For Barry, the key to career satisfaction lies in pursuing meaningful projects. “Find challenges bigger than yourself,” he advises. Whether it’s advancing circular economy initiatives, developing medical prosthetics using industrial 3D printing, or reducing carbon footprints, Barry believes in the transformative power of purpose-driven engineering.
Future-Proofing Engineering Careers
As the world accelerates towards an AI-driven future, Barry stresses the need for engineers to embrace lifelong learning. “What we do today will look very different in five years,” he predicts. The rapid rise of AI, industrial 3D printing, and sustainability demands are reshaping the skills landscape, creating opportunities for engineers who are willing to adapt and innovate.
Barry’s optimism about the future of engineering is contagious. Drawing energy from his team’s enthusiasm, he remains committed to empowering the next generation of engineers to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. “Engineering is about making a difference,” he concludes, “and at IMR, we’re proud to be at the forefront of that change.”
Listen to the full podcast here:
For more insights and to learn about IMR’s cutting-edge projects or if you’re inspired by Barry’s vision, consider reaching out to explore how IMR can help your business thrive in the age of transformation.