Advanced processing and materials technologies
High value added products, complex instrumentation and machine systems are always associated with high science and technology content, complex and innovative design, miniaturization, new materials and high precision. The production of these products demands new manufacturing technologies and strategies. The APMT research group will focus on the R&D of advanced manufacturing processes such as product design, additive manufacturing, robotics and AI, sensing technologies, rapid prototyping, energy beam processing, nanotechnology, surface functional coating technology, net shape forming, precision machining and other emerging processing technologies. In the areas of new materials, we will carry out research in advanced composite materials and systems, multi-functional materials, new alloys and surface coatings. To optimize and make advancement for these processes, we are looking forward to collaborating with colleagues from other disciplines such as new sensing technologies, control, rapid data collection and analysis, AI and so on.
Research Focus 1
Carbon neutral manufacturing
Carbon neutrality is the balance between emitting and absorbing carbon emissions. Manufacturers are one of the big contributors to carbon emissions, and achieving carbon neutrality in manufacturing becomes a key challenge for all manufacturing countries over the next decades. Carbon neutral manufacturing considers not only how products are produced and transported, but also how a company operates. Various steps have to be taken to minimize the carbon footprint of a product from materials extraction to the end of its lifecycle. It relies on the research and development of new materials and new technologies for reducing emission in production and transport, and achieving clean energy and higher energy efficiency. The research areas of the carbon neutral manufacturing group are (1) Eco-materials and Recycling; (2) Cleaner Production; (3) Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain; and (4) Energy technology and Efficiency.
Research Focus 2
Digital manufacturing
Digital Manufacturing (DM) is a manufacturing paradigm by employing computer-based systems of modeling and simulation, 3D representation and visualization, and emerging technologies including AI, machining learning, predictive analytics and industrial IoT, and optimization to support the generation and innovation of product and manufacturing process. It provides a collaborative platform to facilitate the execution of the simultaneous product development activities in product lifecycle from product design, process development and service, and value chain management to streamline design and manufacturing processes.
Research Focus 3
Manufacturing systems and instrumentation
The MSI group will focus on the following aspects:
- To develop the trial-production platforms and systems to accelerate innovation, productivity and engineering applications, particularly in high-value-added industries, which can fulfil the global industrial requirements.
- To establish joint laboratories with leading industrial and/or academic partners in advanced manufacturing research and development.
- To train and professionalise internationally recognized engineers and researchers.
- To facilitate effective technology transfer and applied research as conducting seminars, conferences, consultancy services.
- To deliver high quality research-paper publications and technological patents.
- To develop the trial-production platforms and systems to accelerate innovation, productivity and engineering applications, particularly in high-value-added industries, which can fulfil the global industrial requirements.
- To establish joint laboratories with leading industrial and/or academic partners in advanced manufacturing research and development.
- To train and professionalise internationally recognized engineers and researchers.
- To facilitate effective technology transfer and applied research as conducting seminars, conferences, consultancy services.
- To deliver high quality research-paper publications and technological patents.
Research Focus 4
Manufacturing operations and logistics
Manufacturing enterprises in Greater Bay Areas are facing a paradigm shift in production systems due to Industry 4.0. It is urged that the industry should foster continuous innovation in industrial development to meet the increasing demand for higher quality goods and catch up with worldwide competitors. To enable smart production, the equipment is highly automated and incorporated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. R&D on emerging solutions such as the cyber physical production system could accelerate the development of the smart factory and enhance the competitiveness of manufacturers in the global market. We will focus on:
- Development of an IoT-enabled Cyber-Physical Production System.
- Facilitating Re-industrialisation: Development of an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Suite for the Information and Operational Infrastructure of a Smart Factory.
Research Focus 5
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