HERA Members Visit University of Sydney and Australian Centre for Robotics to Advance Flexible Manufacturing
On 15 September, HERA members visited the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) and Sydney Manufacturing Hub (SMH), in a program hosted by Professor Ian Manchester, Professor Anna Paradowska, and their teams. The visit was part of HERA’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Sydney under the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC), aimed at co-developing a roadmap and new projects in flexible manufacturing.
Flexible manufacturing – the ability of production systems to rapidly adapt to changes in product type, volume, or process — is increasingly vital for competitiveness in heavy engineering. It relies on advances in robotics, AI, modular automation, including inspections and efficient design practices.
The day-long agenda began with a tour of ACFR’s robotics facilities, followed by technical presentations on research programs and industry collaboration. Workshops then focused on setting goals for a new Flexible Manufacturing project under ACM CRC, building on automation assessments already undertaken in New Zealand by Prof. Manchester’s team. Those assessments identified several opportunities for development, including digital twin capabilities, AI-based quality assurance, modular robotics, and the establishment of “mirror” lab facilities in New Zealand to accelerate technology transfer.
Dr. Michail Karpenko, HERA’s General Manager of Welding Centre and Industry Development, emphasised the strategic value of the collaboration:
This visit is a critical step in aligning our industry’s needs with cutting-edge research capabilities. By leveraging the strengths of the University of Sydney and ACFR, we can ensure New Zealand’s steel fabrication sector remains competitive and at the forefront of innovation.
For industry, the visit was equally significant. Wayne Carson, Managing Director of D&H Steel, noted the practical implications:
Flexible manufacturing is no longer just an academic concept – it’s the key to future-proofing our businesses. Seeing firsthand the work being done at ACFR and SMH gives us confidence that the projects we’re developing together will deliver real benefits for fabricators back home.”
The program concluded with tours of the Sydney Manufacturing Hub and Civil Engineering labs, including demonstrations of advanced fabrication, materials testing, and AI-driven monitoring systems.
The visit reinforced the strong ties between HERA, ACM CRC, and the University of Sydney. Next steps include refining project proposals under the flexible manufacturing umbrella and establishing joint facilities in New Zealand, ensuring that both countries’ industries benefit from shared innovation.
