Factory in a Box (FIAB) provides intelligent factories that can be distributed, linked and centrally controlled. Contained within a unit the size of a shipping container, the factories are quickly deployable, flexible to use and can be rapidly scaled. They are fully digital and can be linked to a central control centre with remote monitoring and predictive maintenance capability.

Part of a new Smart Manufacturing Accelerator, the FIAB project is being delivered by the universities of Birmingham and Loughborough, in conjunction with the Manufacturing Technology Centre. The aim of the partnership is to bring smart, digitally-driven manufacturing within the grasp of SMEs. Known as the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, these methods have the potential to revolutionise the way manufacturing is done, providing state-of-the-art manufacturing, but also connecting intelligently to the supply chain and customer to optimise production.

Speaking about the Factory in a Box (FIAB) initiative, the University of Birmingham’s Professor Martin Freer, who is Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute and the Energy Research Accelerator said: “Factory in a Box is a ground-breaking initiative which an exciting opportunity for small companies to rapidly transition from technology developer to providing a product stream to market. It supports small companies developing step change energy technologies in having a real impact in terms of the global transition to a low carbon energy generation.”

Businesses  and researchers are invited to attend the official launch of FIAB and the Smart Manufacturing Accelerator on Wednesday 13 March 2019. Hosted by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Ansty Park, Coventry, the one-day event is designed to encourage collaboration, networking and learning. Delegates will receive a unique opportunity to experience the innovative implementation of industrial digital technologies.

Attendees will be given a live tour and demonstration of the FIAB, discover how industrial digital technologies can change the way businesses operate, as well as access interactive workshops and high-level presentations.

Research from the University of Birmingham has been applied by the MTC and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) to deliver the SMA and FIAB which has been funded by Innovate UK. The SMA supports those at the forefront of adopting digital manufacturing within their organisations.

The event is free to attend but with limited spaces available, registration is essential. Please register here to confirm your place.